Rooms in a Welsh castle that have been unseen for 50 years will soon be open to the public, thanks to a substantial grant. Margam Castle in Port Talbot has been awarded more than £900,000 in funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund for restoration works. This grant is part of a larger £30 million fund shared among 15 UK projects, in celebration of the charity’s 30th anniversary.
The funding will support vital capital works to restore the castle and develop new public spaces. One of the significant goals is to ensure the preservation of the iconic castle while also attracting a wider audience and generating more income. Notably, rooms that have been closed off for over five decades will be accessible to visitors, offering a unique glimpse into the past.
The restoration project will also include the construction of a new café, as well as activities, exhibitions, interpretation, and an extensive volunteering program in collaboration with Neath Port Talbot Council’s education partners. Councillor Cen Phillips, the Cabinet member for nature, tourism, and wellbeing at Neath Port Talbot Council, expressed gratitude for the funding, highlighting the positive impact it will have on the local heritage and economy.
The Chief Executive of the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Eilish McGuinness, praised the diverse range of heritage projects that the funding supports, emphasizing the importance of preserving heritage for future generations. The initiative aims to not only enhance the tourism appeal of Margam Castle but also create employment opportunities and safeguard local heritage.
This project is seen as the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Neath Port Talbot, with a focus on job creation, boosting tourism, and ensuring the preservation of local heritage. The restoration of Margam Castle is expected to elevate it to a prominent landmark, attracting visitors from South Wales and beyond. The National Lottery Heritage Fund’s investment signifies a significant step towards realising the vision of preserving and promoting heritage for present and future generations.