Llandaff High Street developments
Feb
Llandaff 50+ is delighted to announce that it has been successful in its application for a £200,000 Community Facilities Programme grant from Welsh Government to convert the derelict toilet block in the High Street, Llandaff into a centre for activities for older people, a heritage information centre and an accessible toilet.
It has also received a £3,000 grant from the Cardiff YMCA (1910) Trust to help fund the archaeological dig of the old medieval cattle pound courtyard, and a £5,000 development grant from the National Lottery Community Fund. The group has been invited to apply for a Stage 2 grant from the National Lottery, to fund eco-friendly parts of the build, eg solar panels, water harvesting and bat boxes!
The old toilet block has been offered as a community asset transfer from Cardiff Council to provide the opportunity to encourage older people to help each other to alleviate loneliness and social isolation. The innovative project will convert the area into a place where older people can volunteer to run activities that will benefit the community.
Baroness Ilora Finlay, Patron of Llandaff 50+, said:
“This important project provides a facility for the community to come together to meet, learn from each other and further the unique talents in each person in Llandaff. As we live through different phases in life, our roles in the community change. This vibrant development in the heart of Llandaff will be perfect for small groups of all ages to share those talents and enjoy being together.”
Matthew Williams, Curator of Cardiff Castle, Patron of Llandaff 50+ said:
“It seems to be a fascinating fact that as we age, we become more interested in the past. Ironically, it’s usually after our own parents’ death that our interest is awakened, but genealogy and local history can be an absorbing occupation. In Cardiff, we are lucky in having some wonderful historic buildings and I hope that at 50+ we will be able to encourage people to learn more about our heritage.”
Jane Hutt, Welsh Government Deputy Minister and Chief Whip said:
“It’s great to hear Llandaff 50+ have been successful for a Welsh Government grant. This multi-use facility will enrich the local community by helping to bring people together and to find out more about the heritage of the area for many generations to come.”
Local architects, Downs Merrifield, have been working with Llandaff 50+ to transform the tiny toilet into a Centre that will be a model for the future, as we all desire a healthy old age. The group is working with local surgeries on the promotion of social prescribing in The Pound and local schools and university on intergenerational learning.
Llandaff 50+ has also launched its Pound Founders scheme where a £10 monthly contribution will help to make the project sustainable and will embed the Founders into the ethos of the project and the community.
Whitchurch and Llandaff Living readers are invited to a community meeting in the Llandaff Institute on Tuesday 19th February 2-6pm to share plans, ideas and the future. Announcements will be made at 2pm, 4pm and 6pm. Come along and enjoy hot punch, tea and cake!
For more information – www.llandaff50plus.com
