Regeneration work to begin in Welshpool
POWYS County Council planners have approved plans to improve the Y Lanfa building, which stands beside the Welshpool Canal wharf. As a result, work is expected to begin later this year.
In all, it has been reported that the cost will be around £1m and will include the rebuilding of a bridge, some dredging and the creation of new nature reserves.
Richard Lewis, architect and director at Hughes Architects, who created the plans and planning application on behalf of the council, said: “From the outset, the vision for Y Lanfa has been about much more than simply renovating bricks and mortar. We see this scheme as an enabler, unlocking the immense potential of the canalside to become an enabler for the regeneration of the entire town.”
Powys secured almost £14 million of Levelling Up funding for the Montgomery Canal project, of which the Y Lanfa (The Wharf ) is part.
Richard Lewis went on to say: “We're incredibly proud of what we've achieved with Y Lanfa. This project is a testament to the power of collaborative vision and design to breathe new life into historic spaces and communities.
“We can’t wait to see Y Lanfa become a cornerstone of a revitalised Welshpool.”
The work will include the surrounding wharf area, which will be remodelled to improve the canalside setting and to encourage increased use, while the adjacent cottages will be restored and offered for commercial/community use.
Coun David Selby, cabinet member for a More Prosperous Powys, said: “This is an exciting opportunity to not only safeguard the future of an important landmark building but to improve the service for both the local community and tourists alike.”
The project will keep the existing museum and library but provide more floor space. The external canopy will be enclosed with glass, and a new, industrialstyle lift will be provided. The work will also include the installation of staff toilets and, as much as can be achieved in an old building of this type, the result will aim to be low carbon.
The work had been expected to start last summer but is now expected to start later this year and will be undertaken in two phases, the first of which will require the library and the museum exhibits to be temporarily moved.