The biggest heritage project in Wales
Cardigan Castle is the biggest heritage project in Wales and has never had a better chance of succeeding.
But if it doesn’t make the grade this time then there will never be a second chance.
That’s the view of Cadwgan Trust who are in the middle of a £4.8m Heritage Lottery Fund bid to restore the site of the first eisteddfod.
“Cardigan Castle’s time is now,” Cadwgan officer Geraldine Delaney told last week’s town council.
“Never before have all the funders come to the table saying we can help you with this. The castle’s time will never come again. If it doesn’t succeed this time then it never will.”
Cadwgan has launched a massive public appeal to raise £155,000. Part of that appeal is approaching local town and community councils for funding.
The trust has asked Cardigan Town Council to contribute £8,000 a year to the project.
“Every bit of public money that comes into this project can be increased by 50 to 60 per cent,” said Ms Delaney.
“The castle is the biggest heritage project in Wales – no other project comes close.”
The £9m project would create up to 14 new jobs and regenerate tourism and business in the town and surrounding area.
“It is hard to get the money in. It’s an enormous task over the next 18 months. But this site has the potential to regenerate Cardigan. There’s not going to be a second chance for Cardigan Castle.”
Town mayor Cllr Linda Grace congratulated Cadwgan on their progress so far with the project.
“The town council has always supported the castle and will continue to do so,” she said.
A decision on a contribution to the castle project will be made at the council’s budget meeting next month.
