A MAJOR facelift of Llangollen’s Royal International Pavilion is due to begin this month.
The £1.6 million project includes the replacement of the canvass roof, an extension to the arena and internal improvements to the hall and conference/meeting facilities.
Improvements will also be carried out on the car park.
The scheme has been funded by the Welsh Assembly Government and Denbighshire County Council. Wynne Construction, based in Bodelwyddan, will carry out the work.
The Mayor of Llangollen, Cllr Mike Pugh, welcomed the investment into the area, especially the additional car parking capacity that will become available as part of the project and help ease the tourist town’s peak season parking headaches.
The pavilion has an all-year programme of events and activities and is also home to the world-famous Llangollen International Musical Eisteddfod.
The last event prior to the refurbishment work took place in the pavilion in December.
Any event scheduled for the first few months of 2010 has been relocated to other venues around the town.
Welsh Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones said: “This is a significant capital investment by the Welsh Assembly Government and Denbighshire Council.
“I look forward to watching the refurbishment progress.”
Cllr David Thomas, Denbighshire’s cabinet lead member for regeneration, said: “The pavilion has a good reputation locally and regionally for its first class facilities and events.
“We want to make sure the building is first class and this exciting development will encourage even more people to come and see what's on offer.
"I look forward to seeing the newly refurbished pavilion and welcoming people back to this well established venue.”