A Welsh castle which has been described as being in a "significant state of deterioration" will see £4.5m spent on it for urgent conservation works as it marks its 200th anniversary.
The Welsh Government has announced that its historic environment service Cadw and Merthyr Tydfil Council will each contribute £2.25m to address the deterioration to the oldest part of Cyfarthfa Castle as well as protecting Pont-y-Cafnau bridge which is located to the south of the wider Cyfarthfa site and reputedly the oldest iron railway bridge in the world.
In February a council report said the castle was in a "significant state of deterioration" adding that the condition of the property had continued to deteriorate and that was now fast approaching a state of dereliction, raising serious safety concerns and an increasing cost of rehabilitation.
Since the previous council report in July 2023 additional ceilings had collapsed and a tap-test of the ceilings had resulted in certain rooms being isolated from entry.
A condition survey identified the need to protect the building and suggested that a scaffold with a roof covering be erected to prevent further water ingress and associated deterioration while giving the building the opportunity to dry out.
In April plans were submitted to improve the drainage at the park and castle including a new below-ground level drainage network.
The castle is home to a museum and art galleries taking up just 20% of the building but the other 80% of the building, which once housed Cyfarthfa High School, is closed to the public.
The Cyfarthfa Foundation is a charity established to champion the long-term development of Cyfarthfa aiming to restore the building, expand museum displays and art galleries, and develop the 160-acre park for future generations.
It is working in partnership with the council to take these projects forward.
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The Welsh Government said that this funding, and the work of the council and the foundation, also aims to boost the numbers of visitors who come and explore the castle, gardens, and lake, enjoy the play facilities, and participate in various activities offered throughout the grounds.
There will be events to mark the bicentenary this weekend (July 5 and 6) with two days of activities.
Cyfarthfa will host free a
ccess to the museum and art gallery and a programme of talks on the castle's past as well as the plans for its future.
There will also be storytelling sessions, a Victorian portrait studio, nature walks and trails, and an artisan market with produce and crafts from local traders.
Standing since 1825 Cyfarthfa Castle was originally constructed as the family residence of ironmaster William Crawshay II.
Together with the other Merthyr ironworks - Dowlais, Penydarren, and Plymouth - Cyfarthfa made Merthyr the greatest centre of ironmaking in the world from 1800 to 1860.
The Cyfarthfa Industrial Heritage Area contains some of Wales' most important legacy assets including the castle, ironworks, and bridge.
Council leader Brent Carter said: "The Cyfarthfa Castle redevelopment is a priority project for the council and will be delivered in a phased approach over a number of years.
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"The funding secured from Welsh Government and the council will have a significant impact in enabling essential conservation work to take place preserving a treasured asset and the jewel in Merthyr's crown.
"Cyfarthfa Castle is a special place for many people throughout Merthyr Tydfil and based on feedback from residents we know that this is also a priority project for them. Many people went to school there, including myself, and it holds a lot of wonderful memories so it's great to see these plans start to come to fruition."
Welsh Government Minister for Culture Jack Sargeant MS said:"Cyfarthfa Castle stands as a monumental piece of Welsh heritage telling the story of our industrial past and cultural journey. As we mark its 200th anniversary it's great to be able to announce this £4.5m investment to help safeguard its future."