THE developers of Llanrumney Hall have reassured residents that the community centre will open soon.
Work on the Grade II listed building has been delayed so it won’t be open until summer 2018.
Mary Harris, redevelopment manager at the hall, is frustrated with the delay but says plans for a 3G all-weather pitch and community cafe will go ahead.
“The redevelopment as a community centre of excellence will meet the needs of many people in Llanrumney, surrounding areas and visitors.
“We are passionate about saving this wonderful building for future generations to benefit from.
“The opportunities for the community are immense. By working together, we have the foundation for positive change and better tomorrows.”
Trustees at the hall want local health professionals in the community to offer their skills at the hall. They also want to organise advice sessions for people starting small businesses.
Plans for Llanrumney Hall
Cardiff City director, Steve Borley, who was born in Llanrumney, provided £1m for the facelift.
“We want to cater for all parts of the community. We’re working with Cardiff and Vale College to get an education system there, along with a teaching kitchen.
“The plan is to provide facilities that aren’t available in other parts of the area. It can be whatever the people of the area want it to be.
“The local community have the chance to make the hall something for their future.”
Local employment means a lot for Mr Borley and he hopes to provide opportunities and expertise for entrepreneurs.
“Lots of good people come from the area, I’m from the area myself and lots of successful businessmen have started here.
“I want it to be a successful community building, something to provide the young people in the area with something positive.”
As part of the plans, they hope to build a state of the art 3G all-weather sports pitch. Sports teams have said there aren’t enough facilities in the area.
“If we want our football teams to progress in to the Welsh leagues, we need better facilities. The grass pitches are often waterlogged and vandalised,” said committee member Leighton Martin, 44, from Llanrumney.
Damaged pitches in Llanrumney
“The football teams haven’t got anywhere to train. The new pitch can be so crucial as while the kids are training, the parents can socialise in the community café.
“It’s not just about sport, plenty of facilities have been taken away in the last few years and the hall can provide that. We need somewhere for people of all ages to go to.”
Leighton’s son Samuel, 20, plays for Llanrumney United’s first team.
Llanrumney United F.C
“Having new 3G facilities would improve the community drastically as it is something that would provide excellent facilities for the area.
“Many games are called off due to bad weather. There has never been enough offered for the community and the new pitches will help people get active.
“Sport can give children the chance to go out and make friends instead of causing trouble due to lack of opportunities. The new facility is a way forward for the people present and future.”
Llanrumney councillor Keith Jones is in favour of the redevelopment.
“Llanrumney Hall’s renovation is long overdue and offers a wonderful opportunity to have first class community facilities.
“The first phase is to restore the building, with plans for a sports pitch and multi-purpose hall. The hall will include rooms to hire as well as classrooms and a crèche.
“The Welsh Government awarded a grant of £450,000 to ensure that the historic hall is revitalised for future generations.”
