Wow – what a month it’s been at Bryn Hall! We’ve officially kicked off our ambitious journey to breathe new life into this much-loved community building in Trethomas. With the site now a hive of activity, we’re thrilled to share all the amazing progress that’s already been made during the first month of the renovation.
Our construction team hit the ground running with a full site set-up and strip-out of the interior. This involved removing old and worn materials, clearing the way for a complete transformation. Alongside this, new ceiling joists have been installed to provide a solid and secure structure, forming the backbone of what will become a safe, warm, and welcoming space for the community.
Work is currently underway to reinforce the timber frame walls, roof purlins, and A-frames. These vital improvements will strengthen the building and ensure it stands strong for many years to come. In addition, demolition has started in key areas, particularly the concrete slab beneath the old stage area, which was found to be damp and in need of replacement. This part of the building has had to be demolished and will now be rebuilt. Preparations are also being made for new foundations, marking a significant step forward in the project.
The drainage system has been checked and found to be flowing freely, which is great news this early on. Meanwhile, our electricity supply is in the process of being upgraded. The National Grid have been working closely with the contractors. They’ve now disconnected the outdated single-phase supply and are planning to install a new three-phase supply to the site. While we await a new electricity meter, we’re keeping the site running smoothly using a generator.
Heavy machinery, including diggers, dumpers, and trailers, is now on site and hard at work. You may even spot them in action if you pass by! Building Control visited in March and were content with progress so far. Their next visit will be to inspect the footings – a crucial step as the foundation work continues.
We’ve also had expert guidance from our consultants, including instructions to install new lintels above and below certain windows to strengthen the walls. This technical input ensures the renovation is structurally sound from the inside out.
Despite the unpredictability of Welsh weather, we’re delighted to report no delays due to conditions so far. The project remains on track, even with a slight change to the original programme to accommodate unexpected demolition work. This means we are still aiming for works to be complete in July 2025!
Bryn Hall is transforming before our eyes. The work is noisy, dusty, and totally wonderful! Every joist laid is a step closer to a vibrant community hub for generations to come, the betterment of Trethomas, and the realisation that The Parish Trust’s work to bring life in all its fullness to everyone we encounter is evolving and expanding.
However, we’re not quite there yet. While progress has been fantastic, we still have a funding shortfall that we need to close to complete the project. If you’d like to support this exciting transformation and invest in the future of our community, please consider making a donation.
Help us close the funding gap and donate today!
Thank you for all your support! Month 2 promises even more excitement, so stay tuned for the next update!
