Following the publication of The Cyfarthfa Plan in 2021, board and staff members have been recruited by The Cyfarthfa Foundation and have been taking steps to bring the plans to life.
The Cyfarthfa Plan presented a high-level strategic vision for the Cyfarthfa area. The Foundation’s task now is to turn this vision into a detailed plan that responds to the report’s high ambition whilst ensuring it is fundable and sustainable for generations to come.
We are currently developing phased plans and an associated business case, prioritising the redevelopment of the castle.
Whilst there is a lot more work to be done, and money to be raised, the Foundation has made good progress as part of the pre-development phase of the project. Having grown to a board of 14 and a staff of 5, the team is passionate about the future of Cyfarthfa.
With support from a small team of consultants, an assessment of The Cyfarthfa Plan has taken place with options on a deliverable scale now being created, tested, and detailed business cases developed.
As part of this ambitious plan, the Foundation has submitted an inspiring proposal to the Welsh Government, which invited applications for locations for an anchor site for the proposed National Contemporary Art Gallery for Wales (NCAGW). This would build on Cyfarthfa’s existing fine art collection that spans the work of more than two centuries. Should Cyfarthfa be successful, the NCAGW project would generate major cultural investment in Merthyr Tydfil and the Heads of the Valleys area.
The Cyfarthfa Foundation has also had discussions with potential funders - including Welsh Government, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund and private foundations.
As part of the development of the anchor site proposal and the wider Cyfarthfa plans, community engagement has been key at all stages and there have been several public consultations and opportunities for the local community to give their feedback.
As the project is future focussed, younger generations must be encouraged to play a leading role in the plan and the Foundation has worked with partners to establish a new education project to engage local primary schools. Working in partnership with Merthyr's Roots and the Education Team at Cyfarthfa Castle Museum & Art Gallery, educational workshops are being delivered to schools. These workshops highlight how Cyfarthfa was shaped by both the people of Merthyr and the natural world and emphasises the importance of Cyfarthfa to Wales and beyond.
Currently the castle and park are run by Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council. The Cyfarthfa Foundation has been working in partnership with the council to develop the project, while championing the need for protection of the Castle building as soon as possible, to prevent further deterioration.
Several other communications channels have also been established with other organisations active in the park including an education working group and park forum.
2025 marks Cyfarthfa Castle’s 200th birthday, and the Cyfarthfa Foundation is working with partners to deliver a number of celebratory activities. These will shine a light on the role that Cyfarthfa and communities in Merthyr played in shaping the modern world. Its history and heritage are of national and international importance.