Plans to redevelop Cyfarthfa Castle in Merthyr Tydfil into a culture and heritage centre are currently estimated to cost more than £55 million, according to a council report. The report, prepared for Merthyr Tydfil Council's Thriving scrutiny committee, indicates that due to funding constraints, a phased approach to the capital project has been proposed.
First Phase Cost and Funding
The first phase, which would develop approximately 55% of the entire building focusing on the oldest mansion side, is estimated to cost around £32 million. Pledges of about £700,000 for the capital project have already been confirmed to The Cyfarthfa Foundation from private charitable trusts.
National Lottery Application
In February 2026, the foundation and the council submitted an application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund. The application is currently under consideration by the National Lottery Board. If successful, it would unlock around £10 million of investment for the phase one capital project. Officers are working with the National Lottery, and an outcome is expected during July 2026.
Conservation Works Underway
Alongside the development of long-term site plans, a programme of conservation works is currently being delivered on site in 2026-27, led by the council. This work is preserving the fabric of the building and helping lay the foundation for the proposed redevelopment.
Foundation's Focus Areas
The Cyfarthfa Foundation's work has focused on two main areas. The first is advancing the capital project for the redevelopment of the Cyfarthfa site as a culture and heritage visitor destination of national significance. The second is to deliver meaningful community development and engagement through activation of the existing site to cultivate audiences, increase footfall, and strengthen connections to Cyfarthfa via new culture, leisure, recreation, and education opportunities.
Visitor Footfall
During the last five years, the average annual visitor footfall to Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery has been around 37,000.
