Exciting plans for Clarence Hall
Posted: 5th March 2019We have some important news about Crickhowell’s Clarence Hall and our plans for a major refurbishment of the building.
The Trustees have carried out a review of the Hall and we have come to the conclusion that without major repairs now, Clarence Hall will cease to function as a community event venue in less than three years.
Chair of Trustees, Dean Christy, said: “Clarence Hall receives no public funding but, like all historic buildings, requires a constant programme of repair and, from time to time, major refurbishment. The Trustees have worked tirelessly with very little money to maintain the building for Crickhowell, but the Clarence Hall now needs a major overhaul if it is to continue to serve our community.”
Over time, the sandstone from which Clarence Hall is constructed has become porous, the whole building needs repointing, a new roof, and new electrics. Woodwork needs to be replaced, and new floors need to be installed.
Dean Christy said: “We want to turn this into an opportunity; we want to turn Crickhowell’s Clarence Hall into the finest community event venue in town, if not the Eastern Brecon Beacons. In doing that, we can create the ability for the Hall to earn enough money to pay for its upkeep in the future. We need one big push now; this can’t wait; the time for action is now.”
The Trustees have already drawn up detailed plans for a new bar and kitchen for the Hall, as well as upgrading the toilets, improving the changing facilities, and continuing the upgrade of the audio-visual and lighting facilities. A new entrance and new access WCs will also make the Hall fully accessible to people with disabilities for the first time.
Clarence Hall’s longest-serving Trustee, Ann Chamberlain, said: “The Hall has served Crickhowell for generations. Many local residents have been trustees and most of us have either hired it or attended events in the hall. Clarence Hall is part of all our histories, and we need to give it a future, please help us.”