The funding – a combination of a grant and repayable finance – will be primarily used to renovate several of the bedrooms at Bryngarw House, including a new bridal suite overlooking the lawn and the self-contained Coach House accommodation at the rear of the venue.  

Although currently closed in line with Welsh Government alert level four restrictions, Bryngarw House typically welcomes over 6000 wedding guests each year.  

Cardiff-based design company Momentum has been appointed to design the interior spaces, which will be inspired by the changing colours of parkland setting and sympathetic to the building’s architecture and strong Welsh heritage.  

The scheme, which is supported by the European Social Fund through the Welsh Government, will enable Awen Trading Limited to grow Bryngarw House’s position as a luxury wedding venue, and diversify the business for conferences, weekend retreats and special occasion events.  

This, in turn, will boost the venue’s impact within the local community, and create new and sustainable employment opportunities within hospitality and tourism, industries which have been among the worst affected by the coronavirus pandemic.  

Richard Hughes, Chief Executive of Awen Trading Limited, the wholly-owned trading subsidiary of registered charity Awen Cultural Trust, said:    

“Our vision is to develop Bryngarw House, a venue with an impressive history, into a luxury Welsh brand and high-end destination for the visitor and business markets. Through our refurbishment plans, we will celebrate the beautiful Welsh valley surroundings, promote the language, cultural and environmental heritage, and offer the very best from local producers and suppliers. We are grateful to the Social Business Growth Fund support, which will help us to realise our ambitions as, once completed, the rooms will blend the original charm and character found throughout the House, and wider Bryngarw Country Park, with the style, modern touches and accessibility requirements of our overnight guests.”  

Alun Jones, Head of Social Investment Cymru at Wales Council for Voluntary Action, which manages the SBGF added: 

“Awen Trading’s vision to continue to develop Bryngarw House as a luxury wedding venue was a great fit with how we aim to support Welsh social enterprises to grow, create jobs and contribute to the local economy. Being a social enterprise means the profits generated from giving happy couples the weddings they will remember forever will help provide great cultural experiences for others to enjoy through the work of Awen Cultural Trust.”