Essential works progressing at Cyfarthfa Castle & Park

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council is pleased to provide an update on the significant programme of investment currently underway at Cyfarthfa Castle and Park, helping to safeguard one of Wales' most important heritage assets while enhancing the experience for residents and visitors.

A range of essential improvement works are progressing at Cyfarthfa Castle and Park, supported through a combination of funding secured from Cadw, Council investment, Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics funding and The Cyfarthfa Foundation.

Key works currently being undertaken at the Castle include vital roof repairs and drainage improvements. The drainage improvement works are expected to be complete in the next few months, while the roof works are scheduled for completion next year. These projects are crucial in protecting the historic fabric of the building, addressing long-term maintenance requirements, and ensuring that Cyfarthfa Castle remains resilient for future generations. By tackling these issues now, we are taking proactive steps to preserve this iconic landmark and reduce the risk of more significant deterioration in the future.

Alongside these works, the contractors have provided community opportunities and benefits, including apprentices on site, school visits and engagement activities, attendance at a local construction careers fayre and mock interview day, and other school, college and community site visits.

Whilst these works are ongoing Cyfarthfa Park and Cyfarthfa Castle Museum and Art Gallery remain open to the public, with the museum displaying the Celebration of Welsh Contemporary Painting 2026 exhibition until 30 August.

Further funding from Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics funding has supported enhancements not only within the Castle but also the wider Cyfarthfa Park estate. Within Cyfarthfa Museum and Art Gallery this had included internal improvements to toilets, enhancement of the reception area, shop and café, upgrades to the Wi-Fi and CCTV, and a new audiovisual cinema display. Within the Park, the funding has delivered improved signage and wayfinding across the Cyfarthfa Park grounds, helping visitors navigate more easily. It has also supported a range of new and upgraded infrastructure, including high‑quality picnic benches and bins that make the site cleaner, more comfortable, and more accessible for everyone. These improvements strengthen the visitor experience, improve accessibility, and ensure that the park continues to be a high-quality destination for local communities and visitors alike.

Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council and the Cyfarthfa Foundation continue to explore a range of funding opportunities, including a recent submission to the National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) Development Fund. While the project was not taken forward through this funding round, we remain confident in its future potential. The extensive work undertaken throughout the application process has helped to strengthen and refine the long-term vision for Cyfarthfa Castle and Park, providing valuable insight and momentum for future funding opportunities and investment. Importantly, the momentum behind the wider regeneration and improvement programme remains strong. Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council will continue to work with The Cyfarthfa Foundation, partners, stakeholders and funding bodies to explore future opportunities that can help deliver the long-term ambitions for Cyfarthfa Castle and Park, as outlined in The Cyfarthfa Plan

The Council and the Foundation remain ambitious for Cyfarthfa and will continue to pursue opportunities to secure additional investment and build on the positive momentum already being achieved. We look forward to providing further updates as the current programme of works progresses and as future opportunities for investment and enhancement are developed.