A major £1.8 million refurbishment of Theatr Brycheiniog in Brecon has been completed, bringing significant upgrades to the much-used arts venue.
The work, which took 12 months to complete, was led by Powys County Council and funded 90 per cent by the UK Government.
Contractors included Welshpool-based SWG Group, Brecon firm Beacons Business Interiors (Bbi), and the council’s own engineers.
The project included the installation of new public and backstage toilets, full replacement of external windows and doors, and upgrades to the air handling systems across the auditorium, studio and public areas. Internal and external lighting was upgraded with energy-efficient fittings, while accessibility was improved with the addition of a new public lift and a separate cargo lift.
Theatr Brycheiniog remained open throughout the work, which complements earlier improvements made to its café, bar and main reception in 2022.
During a visit to Brecon last month, Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith toured the upgraded venue and praised the investment in local arts infrastructure.
“I was delighted to see the renovations to Theatr Brycheiniog which have been part-funded by the UK Government,” said Wales Office Minister Dame Nia Griffith.
“The theatre is a wonderful resource, and the refurbishment means that audiences will be able to enjoy it for many years to come.”
"Along with the development of Tŷ Brycheiniog this investment of over £5 million by the UK Government will benefit Brecon and help kickstart economic growth, putting more money into local people’s pockets as a result."
Theatr Brycheiniog’s Marketing, Communications and Audiences Manager, Anna Wormleighton, said the improvements had revitalised the venue and strengthened its long-term sustainability.
“We were delighted to be able to show Dame Nia Griffith how the renovations have upgraded and rejuvenated our building,” she said.
“We are thankful that this investment improves Theatr Brycheiniog’s sustainability and will help to preserve the future of the theatre, allowing us to continue as one of the leading centres for arts and culture in Mid Wales.”
The theatre features a 477-seat main auditorium and a 120-seat studio and rehearsal space, hosting a wide range of performances in both Welsh and English.
While in Brecon, Dame Nia also visited Tŷ Brycheiniog, a newly refurbished multi-agency office hub on the Brecon Enterprise Park. The former call centre has been transformed into modern workspaces for Powys County Council and its partner organisations. The UK Government contributed £3.5 million towards the cost - again covering 90 per cent of the total.
Powys County Council staff are now moving into the new building, which is intended to support more flexible working and reduce operational costs. The relocation also frees up the Neuadd Brycheiniog site on Cambrian Way for future redevelopment.
Cllr Matthew Dorrance, Deputy Leader of Powys County Council, said the combined investment had delivered on two important goals.
“We are very grateful to the UK Government for the £5.3 million in funding they put towards these two projects,” he said.
“It has helped us realise our aims of upgrading the theatre and making it more sustainable to run, and of creating a more practical and cost-effective building for our staff to work and meet in.”
The funding for both schemes was secured by the council’s Economy and Climate Service, with project management handled by its Strategic Property Team.
Council staff are in the process of moving over to the new Tŷ Brycheiniog offices, but y Gaer will remain the main point of contact for members of the public with a query, unless they have an appointment to attend another building.
For more information about upcoming events at Theatr Brycheiniog, visit: https://www.brycheiniog.co.uk/en