Historic community asset transfer set to secure the future of Y Weirglodd in Rhayader

An historic milestone has been reached as Y Weirglodd moves into community ownership

After more than three years of dedicated work, planning and negotiation, Rhayader Town Council is delighted to announce that it has reached the final stages of securing the asset transfer of the Y Weirglodd site from Powys County Council.

Subject to the completion of the legal process, the transfer is expected to take place later this month and represents one of the most significant examples of community ownership in Rhayader’s recent history.

The transfer will include The Weirglodd Allotments, Pump Track Wales, Rhayader Town Football Club and its facilities, grazing land, the public car park and the former Rugby Club building and surrounding land

The popular riverside walk will remain under the ownership and management of Powys County Council.

The transfer represents the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Y Weirglodd, ensuring these important community assets are managed locally for the benefit of residents and future generations.

Alongside the anticipated transfer, Rhayader Town Council has successfully secured £83,000 from Powys County Council via the governments Pride in Place Impact Fund to begin the next phase of the site’s regeneration.

The funding will support the development of proposals to transform the former Rugby Club building into a modern, flexible and sustainable community facility capable of serving a wide range of local groups, organisations and activities.

The Council’s ambition is not simply to refurbish an existing building, but to create a welcoming community hub that meets the changing needs of Rhayader and District for many years to come.

In the coming weeks, Rhayader Town Council will launch a comprehensive public consultation, inviting residents, community groups, sports clubs, charities, businesses and organisations to help shape the future of the building.

The consultation will seek ideas on how the facility could best be used and what services, activities and spaces local people would like to see included.

The Council is particularly keen to hear from people of all ages to ensure the project delivers lasting benefits across the whole community.

Councillor Rhys Thomas, Chair of Rhayader Tourism Forum and Chair of Rhayader Town Football Club, said: “This is a hugely significant moment for Rhayader. After more than three years of dedicated work, we are incredibly close to bringing Y Weirglodd into community ownership. This has always been about protecting these valuable assets and giving local people greater control over their future.

“Securing the £83,000 funding is another major step forward. It allows us to begin planning how the former Rugby Club building can become a thriving community space that supports local clubs, organisations, young people, visitors and residents alike.

“As both a Town Councillor and someone involved with a number of organisations that call Y Weirglodd home, I know just how important this site is to our community. We don’t want to make these decisions behind closed doors. We want the people of the Outdoors Capital of Wales to tell us what they need. This is your opportunity to help shape a facility that could serve the community for decades to come.”

Councillor James Stuart, Chair of Rhayader Town Council, added: “Reaching this stage is the culmination of more than three years of commitment, determination and hard work by Rhayader Town Council. I’d like to pay tribute to our steering group, whose dedication has driven this project forward, and to our Clerk, Julie Stephens, whose professionalism, persistence and countless hours of work have been instrumental in getting us to this point.”

“Asset transfers of this scale are complex and require an enormous amount of work behind the scenes. Every member of the steering group has played their part, and this is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when a council works together with a shared vision for its community.”

“This is about safeguarding Y Weirglodd for future generations. It gives us the opportunity to protect these valued community assets while creating a vibrant community hub that reflects the needs and aspirations of local people. We encourage everyone to take part in the forthcoming consultation and help shape the future of Y Weirglodd.”

The proposed community hub has the potential to complement the existing sporting and recreational facilities at Y Weirglodd, including Rhayader Town Football Club, Pump Track Wales, the allotments and surrounding open spaces, creating a destination that supports health, wellbeing, recreation and community life.

The Council believes the project will become another significant milestone in Rhayader’s continued development as the Outdoors Capital of Wales, creating a welcoming space that benefits residents, community groups and visitors alike.

Further information about the public consultation, including dates, venues and opportunities to take part online, will be announced shortly through Rhayader Town Council’s communication channels.