£36,160 awarded to Bryn Sion Baptist Church to help transform listed chapel into flexible community space
JULY 15th 2025
Bryn Sion Baptist Church in Trecynon has been awarded £36,160 from Pen y Cymoedd as part of a wider £340,000 renovation project that will breathe new life into the historic chapel — preserving its heritage while transforming it into a warm, welcoming and fully accessible space for the whole community.
The funding from Pen y Cymoedd will support:
- Remodelling of the chapel floor to create an accessible space
- Installation of an energy-efficient air source heat pump and underfloor heating
- New glazed doors to improve look and make sure people can see in and feel welcome
- A new external access ramp for users with limited mobility
- Professional fees to ensure the project meets its heritage requirements
With all permissions secured and previous major works completed, this next phase will enable the church to serve as a multi-purpose, inclusive community hub — complete with movable furniture and staging to host events for all ages.
The church already provides vital family and youth activities such as after-school clubs, toddler sessions, and family support services. Demand from local schools, youth groups and community organisations is high — but the current building layout has limited what’s possible.
This project will change that, opening the doors for everything from concerts to school performances, family fun events, and more.
As one of the last remaining chapels still in use in the area, this work prevents the building falling into disrepair and reimagines it as a resource for the future.
“We’re proud to support Bryn Sion Baptist Church with funding that improves access, comfort and flexibility for all. This important project brings a landmark building back into full community use — shaped by local people, for local benefit.”
– Shayla Walsh, Fund Support Officer – Community, Pen y Cymoedd
“We are delighted to receive the help and support of this major Pen y Cymoedd grant towards the restoration of our previously condemned and closed building, and would like to express our gratitude for standing with us especially as leaders and volunteers who run several projects at the currently restricted rear premises. The work is progressing at a pace and we are eagerly anticipating the new layout before the end of the year, achieving a large space with step-free access for all events, a flexible area for the benefit of all and for the growth of the various groups based at Bryn Sion that are coping with restricted room at present. From young and old and all ages in between, we want to say a BIG THANK YOU to Pen y Cymoedd! We couldn’t do it without you!” – Bryn Sion Baptist Church
The Fund was established by energy company Vattenfall to benefit the communities hosting the Pen y Cymoedd wind farm across the upper Neath, Afan, Rhondda and Cynon Valleys. It exists to support local people, groups and organisations to invest in themselves, their ideas and their communities.
The Community Fund has a substantial annual budget that is index-linked, meaning it increases in line with inflation. As an example, this equated to around £2.5 million in 2025. The Fund will continue to support communities until 2043, creating long-term opportunities for growth, resilience and positive change.
The Fund is managed by an independent, locally based not-for-profit Community Interest Company. It is overseen by a Board of Directors with strong local connections and delivered by a small but dedicated staff team with extensive community engagement experience. We are here to help ensure the Fund delivers on the vision and priorities of local communities.
Over the next 10 years, the Fund is focusing on investment in people, places and businesses — helping the Valleys to thrive, driving bold ideas, supporting transformation and creating lasting impact for current and future generations.