**Future of Bridgend’s Beloved Carnegie House Under Review Amid Calls for Revamp**
A landmark at the heart of Bridgend, the Grade II-listed Carnegie House, is facing a pivotal moment as Bridgend Town Council has released findings from a comprehensive feasibility study exploring its future. The historic building, standing for over a century, has seen various incarnations, from its early days as the town’s public library to a bustling hub for arts and civic operations.
Acquired by Bridgend Town Council in 2014 through a community asset transfer from Bridgend County Borough Council, Carnegie House has, over recent years, undergone notable changes. With financial backing from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the Arts Council of Wales, it was refurbished and developed into a cultural centre renowned for hosting a diverse programme of arts classes, lectures, and exhibitions.
However, the report commissioned by town officials has highlighted a troubling trend since the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic: attendance figures, once robust, have dwindled. This decline has left the council increasingly reliant on financial subsidies to maintain regular operations of the centre, making its long-term future less certain and prompting this fresh evaluation.
The feasibility study embraced both qualitative and quantitative approaches, incorporating feedback from in-depth interviews with key local stakeholders as well as a community-wide survey. Nearly 600 residents contributed their views, reflecting strong ongoing support for the building’s role in bringing people together through the arts.
Community input painted a compelling picture of Carnegie House’s potential future, with many advocating for an expansion in the types of activities on offer. Popular suggestions included film nights, live music performances, themed cultural evenings, and exhibitions celebrating the region’s rich heritage. Respondents also identified shortcomings in publicity, proposing stronger promotion and advertising to ensure events reach a wider and more diverse audience.
Structural improvements featured heavily in community consultations, with some proposals suggesting a considerable increase in capacity for the main hall—from its current 60-person limit to as many as 220 attendees. The changes would see the Bridgend and District History Society relocated to a newly allocated space on the first floor, freeing the current former council chamber for conversion into a flexible multi-purpose area.
Suggestions designed to enhance visitor experience and practicality were also presented, including updates to toilet facilities, additional storage solutions, modernisation of heating systems, and improved fire escape routes. Furthermore, an atrium or glass-fronted entrance could be introduced, improving visibility and accessibility for all.
An important consideration running through the report is the protected status of the building; as a Grade II-listed property, any modifications must be sensitive to its historical significance. The report emphasises that the proposed upgrades have been thoughtfully developed to avoid detrimental impacts on the site’s heritage, while ensuring that Carnegie House remains a sustainable and vibrant cultural asset for the community.
From a financial perspective, implementing the improvements is estimated to cost between £468,000 and £550,000. Nonetheless, projections suggest that, given the right investment and an expanded programme, the centre could eventually generate an annual income approaching £140,000, significantly strengthening its economic foundation.
Bridgend Town Council is now expected to weigh these findings as it considers the next steps for the much-loved venue. The process will almost certainly require balancing the preservation of historical character with adapting the building to meet present-day needs and aspirations of the community.
As dialogue continues, one thing remains clear: Carnegie House’s future is a matter of pride and concern for many in Bridgend, underlining the power of the arts to unite, inspire, and rejuvenate the local area for generations to come.