Councillor Geraint Thomas has declared that the redevelopment of Cyfarthfa Castle and Park should be the council's number one heritage priority, following the failure of a £32 million National Lottery funding bid. Speaking at a full council meeting on Wednesday, July 15, Thomas, leader of the Independent group, emphasised the historic significance of the site, which is rooted in the town's iron industry.
Lottery Bid Rejected Despite Constructive Feedback
The council, in partnership with The Cyfarthfa Foundation (TCF), had submitted a stage one application to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) in February 2026. The application sought £1.28 million in NLHF funding for detailed development work and project planning, with an additional £321,000 in match funding from the council and TCF. However, in June 2026, the council was informed that the application had been unsuccessful.
According to a council officer, the main reasons for the rejection were the project's high cost, the likelihood of cost increases, and the high risk associated with TCF's funding target. Despite this, the NLHF acknowledged the project's significance and provided constructive feedback to support its continued development.
Council Committed to Resubmission
Discussions are underway to develop a further funding application, with the council stating that the revised submission will include additional detail and evidence to address identified risks, maximising the likelihood of a successful outcome. The council remains committed to progressing the redevelopment at the earliest opportunity, recognising it as a key priority.
An internal working group, comprising officers with relevant professional expertise, has been established to lead the development and delivery of work programmes and provide financial oversight. The council continues to engage with key stakeholders, funders, and heritage bodies to ensure alignment with conservation best practices and the broader aspirations of The Cyfarthfa Plan.
Political Debate Over Priorities
Councillor Geraint Thomas argued that Cyfarthfa Castle should be the council's highest priority among its heritage assets, stating: "We've got to remember what really began our town. And it was iron. ... Cyfarthfa Castle is our priority. That is for this council. That is the huge visitor attraction that's going to bring thousands, tens of thousands of people year in year out." He acknowledged the importance of other buildings like the Redhouse and the Synagogue but insisted that Cyfarthfa Castle, Park, and the furnaces must take precedence.
Labour leader Councillor Brent Carter described Cyfarthfa Castle as a "jewel in the crown" but stressed that all cultural and heritage assets are equally important, differing on how they are managed and funded. Independent councillor Andrew Barry noted that while some buildings like Zion, Theatre Royal, and the Miners Hall are lovely, they are not all equal. He said: "Cyfarthfa Castle is in an entirely different league. To repurpose some of these buildings is a very difficult ask. We know what we can do with Cyfarthfa Castle. It's going to be a jewel in the crown."
Councillor Jamie Scriven, cabinet member for economy, regeneration, leisure and tourism, cautioned against prioritising Cyfarthfa Castle at the expense of other assets, stating: "There's got to be a holistic view of this in terms of the assets that we've got and ensuring we keep everything in line otherwise we're going to end up with a lovely jewel, no crown."
