The Victorian gatekeeper hut is set to gain a new sense of purpose after 200 people came out in support of the community event
Grangetown residents have gathered to express their thoughts on the likely future of the currently unused Victorian groundskeeper hut.
An event held at the Grange Pavilion encouraged locals from the community to share their views for its new purpose, with over 200 people turning up in support.
“It’s been really nice to get so much feedback from everyone even the little kids have had some interesting ideas for what it could be used as,” said Megan Dwyer, a Supervisor at the Grange Pavillion.
During the event, participants were encouraged to jot down their memories on posted notes and contribute suggestions for how they would like to use the park keepers’ hut.
Property Manager Sophey Mills was delighted with the ideas, with some wanting the space to be used for local artists to display their work and others suggesting it be a barbershop, reading room, or ice cream and pizza shop.
Throughout the years, this historical landmark built in 1894 has had many uses in its lifetime. From a space to store maintenance and sporting equipment to the “best place” for some locals to hide and seek.
Llyr Thomas, who walks his dog often in Grange Gardens, said “It’s odd how something so small and not always noticeable can mean so much to a community.”
The gatekeeper’s hut was added to the Managing List of Historical Asses of Historical Assets of Special Local Interest in Wales back in 2017 by Cadw in protecting its value in recognition and celebration of its local distinctiveness.
“Around 200 people showed up in support of this event”, said Megan. “It really shows the community spirit here and how much even the smallest projects mean to the locals.
“We are still in the process of sorting through all the suggestions, but as you can imagine it will take some time. So we have still yet to choose anything but hopefully soon we will have some good news to share.”