£18m Levelling Up For Grand Pavilion

The Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl’s much-loved seafront theatre has been awarded £18 Levelling Up Funding from the UK Government, as a result of Bridgend County Borough Council, working in close partnership with Awen Cultural Trust, demonstrating that the investment would make a visible positive difference to the local area and supporting the creative economy of the region.

The funding will be used to enhance and redevelop the Grade II listed building, which celebrated its 90th anniversary this year, including addressing the condition of its concrete structure, preserving its unique heritage whilst also meeting the needs and aspirations of the community for extended and improved arts, culture and heritage services.

The proposed new facilities include: new function spaces at the esplanade level; new rooftop function and café spaces offering panoramic sea views across the Bristol Channel; new studio theatre and ancillary facilities; increased and improved accessibility including new Changing Places toilet facilities; and new business incubation, workshop and office spaces at street level.

Richard Hughes, Chief Executive of Awen Cultural Trust, said:

“We have been working with the Council on these ambitious plans for the Grand Pavilion since 2016, so I am delighted that we have been successful in securing the funding to bring these to fruition. The redevelopment of the Grand Pavilion represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity for us to safeguard this iconic building for many years to come and ensure it retains its position as a flagship regional arts and cultural venue of choice. Having managed the venue for over seven years, we know how much the Grand Pavilion means to local people and groups so we look forward to engaging with them as our plans evolve.”