Plans to refurbish the much-loved Muni in Pontypridd, using £5.3m secured from the first round of UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund, have reached another milestone in its delivery.

Final developed design elements for the Grade II listed buildings have been completed by Purcell, in partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf Council and partner organisation Awen Cultural Trust, as part of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stage 3 process.

Once recommendations are approved, the project will move to RIBA Stage 4 and, subject to securing all necessary statutory consents, redevelopment of the venue will begin this summer.

The redevelopment aims to protect the Muni’s heritage and celebrate its stunning gothic architecture by exposing the original ceiling beams in the main hall and many of the windows which are currently blocked.

The refurbished Muni will be fully accessible and inclusive, with a lift to all floors including the balcony, and better toilet provision including a Changing Places facility.

The project will deliver a venue that offers a professional programme of live music and event cinema, with bar facilities to support the local leisure and night-time economy.

Councillor Bob Harris, Cabinet Member for Public Health and Communities at Rhondda Cynon Taf Council, said:

“Work continues to progress on the Muni redevelopment, and it is positive to see the project moving ever closer to the ‘boots on the ground’ phase that many residents are excited to see happen.

“We are committed to delivering the Muni redevelopment with our partners Awen Cultural Trust in a responsible and sustainable way. The redevelopment will see the Muni brought back to life as a premier music and event destination in South Wales for the enjoyment of residents and visitors.

“Completion is on track for Summer 2024, just in time for Rhondda Cynon Taf to welcome the National Eisteddfod of Wales, which attracts around 150,000 visitors each year. We can’t wait to see the thousands of people visiting Rhondda Cynon Taf enjoy the new venue.”

Richard Hughes, Chief Executive of Awen Cultural Trust, said:

“This redevelopment represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to restore the Muni as one of South Wales’ best music and event venues. As with all projects of this scale, there is so much that goes into the design work before work begins on site. It’s great to have the opportunity of using everything we’ve learnt from the community to help support the process and come up with a design that meets our vision while at the same time working within the funding available to us.”