Trawsfynydd Village Hall, in Gwynedd, is community-owned and has been an integral part of local people’s lives for decades. Its last renovation was in the 1990s, and its committee is eager to transform it and secure its future as the heart of the village.  

Over the years, the hall has hosted countless events such as birthday parties, making it an important space for those who grew up in the village. However, as time has passed, it has become clear that updates are needed to ensure the hall remains an accessible and functional space for generations to come. 

The ‘Hall for the Future’ project has secured £122,337 of funding over three years, which will help transform the hall into a modern and bespoke space for the community – bridging the past, present and future. It will be a central hub for a wide range of events and activities for several groups and organisations. The funding will allow the committee to breathe new life into the hall and ensure it remains a community asset. 

The project has four main aims:  

• improving access to services and opportunities, by creating a hub for services which will address rural poverty, such as job fairs 

• reducing isolation amongst people of all ages, by providing a welcoming space for people to come together and socialise 

• increasing support for young people, by providing activities and opportunities to socialise, play and build skills 

• more rural amenities with improved facilities and services. 

Plans for the hall include creating spaces of various sizes to attract a wider range of users. Work is already underway, and the committee plans to renovate the cellar to create a new kitchen, improve the main hall and create a space for young people to meet and relax. They also plan to install a green and eco-friendly heating system, which will ensure the sustainability of the hall for the future. Part of the funding will be used to employ a new project co-ordinator over the next three years to oversee the project, manage progress and identify further funding opportunities. 

The hall is vitally important for young people in this rural community, helping them to stay in the area and supporting the Welsh language. Rhian Thomas, committee member said: “The Welsh language is key to what we do, but we want to be accessible to all. It’s important to have support from people who don’t speak Welsh, too.” 

“It’s fantastic that National Lottery funding will help to retain Trawsfynydd Village Hall as an integral part of local people’s lives now and in generations to come,” said Ruth Bates, Head of Communications at The National Lottery Community Fund Wales.  

The committee has been working hard to realise their vision of a revitalised village hall. Rhian said: “We want to make the hall the heart of the community for years to come.” This project marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter, one that will help create a stronger, more connected community in Trawsfynydd.