Carnegie House Community Asset Transfer
During 2013, Bridgend Town Council began planning to relocate its Council Chamber to the former library building founded by Andrew Carnegie in the town centre. Alongside this, the local arts organisation Bridgend Arts Ltd. had identified that the town centre lacked an arts venue and could not offer space for local artists to meet and present their work.
Through collaboration and following detailed discussions with BCBC, the Town Council relocated to the former public library building in Wyndham Street in January 2014 and renamed Carnegie House / Ty Carnegie to pay tribute to the past.
The first floor of the building accommodates the Town Council Chamber, Board Room and staff office; whilst the ground floor and small gallery on the first floor are designated as the Carnegie House Arts Centre. The centre aims to provide a high standard of Art and Cultural events, activities and community-based events and workshops.
The Town Council has used its funds to undertake refurbishment of the building which has included: replacing the heating system, renovating and redecorating the ground and first floor rooms (in Edwardian colours), replacing the flooring in the entrance hall, stairs and throughout the first and main hall.
The Town Council has been awarded a grant from the Arts Council of Wales to develop a programme of events at the venue.