Bridgend County Borough Council and its partners at Awen Cultural Trust have provided an update on the progress of the £20m redevelopment project at the Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl.

The 1932, Art Deco building is currently undergoing enabling works, which started in early June, forming an essential part of the preparation of the building in readiness for the main renovation work later this year.

Prichard’s Demolition were appointed as the contractor to undertake the enabling works inside the Grade II listed building, which involves stripping out all the building’s plasterboard and suspended ceilings to take the building back to its concrete shell, the removal of mechanical and electrical kit and the erection of hoardings. The council have also commissioned a number of surveys including CCTV, drainage, topography, refurbishment, and demolition asbestos survey. Dust monitoring will also continue throughout the enabling works period.

A specialist team of experts are working behind the scenes with the contractors to ensure the preservation of key historical and architectural features inside the building.

Helen Hughes is an historic interior researcher, and conservationist and part of the specialist team who was commissioned to extract and examine historic paintwork samples from the building which can be traced back to the 1930s.

Mike Dean, Contracts Manager for Pritchard’s Demolition, said: “As a local business we were honoured to be awarded the enabling package on the Grade II listed Grand Pavilion, Porthcawl. Works are progressing steadily and are all on track. We look forward to handing the building over for the main refurbishment project later in the year.”

The redevelopment will entail an extension to the rear of the building and provide a new studio theatre and gallery space, whilst glass fronted additions on top of the existing loggias will provide a new café with views across the bay.

Council Leader, John Spanswick, who visited the building this week, said: “It’s been fantastic to get a glimpse of the interior renovation work to date. Major progress has been made with the preparatory works to pave the way for the main building renovation later this year.

“I am excited that we are able to play a key role in this historic building’s amazing journey. Not only will this ambitious redevelopment address the current risks to the building’s ageing fabric, but it will also serve as a hugely impressive arts and cultural service our county borough and the Porthcawl community can be extremely proud of.”

Richard Hughes, Chief Executive of Awen Cultural Trust, said: “We are delighted that the planned enabling works are progressing well, ahead of construction starting on site later this year. One of the exciting aspects of this redevelopment is the opportunity to protect and enhance the Grand Pavilion’s rich history and heritage, so we look forward to uncovering some long-hidden features within the building as the work develops.”

This project has been funded by Bridgend County Borough Council and the UK Levelling Up Fund.

Pictured (l to r): Nicola Lewis (BCBC), Mike Dean and Pippa Pritchard (Pritchard’s Demolition), Richard Hughes (Awen), Cllr Neelo Farr, Cabinet Member, BCBC and Council Leader, John Spanswick outside the historic building in Porthcawl.