3 days ago
- Business
- South Wales Argus
Llancaiach Fawr Manor in Nelson to be run by new operator
Llancaiach Fawr Manor, located in Nelson and dating back to the 16th century, has been closed since December 2024 while Caerphilly County Borough Council explored alternative management options to reduce a £500,000 annual subsidy.
A formal selection process attracted multiple expressions of interest, and the council's cabinet has now approved a preferred bidder, subject to the completion of detailed lease agreements.
The council has confirmed that a preferred operator has been selected and said they will share further details about the successful bidder and their plans for Llancaiach Fawr in due course.
The manor, set in 12 acres of the Rhymney Valley, has been restored as the 17th-century home of Edward Prichard and previously hosted a variety of public events, including the Caerphilly Motoring Festival, Bedwellty Agricultural Show, Hope Rescue Dog Day, antiques fairs, and World War II commemorations.
Visitor numbers in 2023/24 topped 61,000, and the venue is licensed to host up to 5,000 people at one time.
The closure of the manor became a focal point of public debate after the council decided to mothball the site as part of wider budget cuts.
Councillor Gareth Jones, of the Friends of Llancaiach Fawr group, described the manor as the "jewel in the crown" of Caerphilly's cultural heritage and a "Welsh treasure" during a council meeting.
In September 2024, the joint scrutiny committee recommended that the cabinet direct officers to develop long-term, sustainable options for the site's future.
Caerphilly Council said: "Difficult decisions like mothballing the venue are necessary as we attempt to address an estimated £45 million budget gap over the next two years."
At the time, council leader Sean Morgan said the closure was intended to be temporary while a new management model was put in place.
The decision was met with anger from members of the public, who shouted "shame on you" during the meeting.
Councillor Morgan replied that he needed to prioritise essential services.
In 2013, the council secured Heritage Lottery funding to carry out major renovations at Llancaiach Fawr Manor, including a new roof, improved accessibility through a platform lift, and restoration of the attic to its 17th-century appearance.
The manor is equipped to host conferences, meetings, weddings, banquets, and business exhibitions.
The Mansell Hall conference room can accommodate up to 200 delegates, while the conservatory—with panoramic views of the countryside—can host up to 70.
Both rooms can be combined with classroom spaces to support larger events.
The council has not yet announced who the new operator will be or detailed their plans for the site, but has promised to update the public in the near future.
Supporters of the manor have long argued for its cultural and historical value, urging the council to find a solution that preserves the site for future generations.
The reopening of the manor under new management is expected to secure its long-term sustainability without the need for ongoing public subsidy.
