A CATALOGUE of serious health and safety problems has closed Corwen Pavilion indefinitely after 99 years of service to the community.
Denbighshire County Council announced the closure of the pavilion last Tuesday (March 2) due to a range of problems, including: a leaky roof - with water getting into the electrical system, structural problems and asbestos.
All resulting in the building being ‘non compliant’ with health and safety regulations.
Built in 1911, the pavilion was one of the largest public halls in North Wales.
It put Corwen on the map with a range of events from the Urdd Eisteddfod in 1921 to concerts including the Super Furry Animals and the first Welsh language band - Edward H Dafis.
On Thursday, March 4, a meeting with Denbighshire County Council; user groups, the business association, Corwen Partnership and the community council was called to discuss an alternative facility for Corwen.
Several major events will now need to find a new venue including: the Urdd Jamboree on May 6, Noson Gan Concert on June 11 and 12 and Symphonia Cymru on July 5.
One of Britain’s top sheep-shearing competitions, supposed to have been held on July 23 and 24, is also searching for a new location.
Iola Jones, who has been secretary of the Cneifio Corwen Shears contest since it began in 1989, said the loss of the pavilion could threaten the future of the event which attracts competitors from around the world.
“I was quite devastated really,” said Iola of news of the loss of the venue.
“We have built up the competition and it’s gone from strength to strength and when you get a setback like this, it’s a bit of a blow.”
Weekly events will also have find a new home.
Aerobics and kickboxing have already been relocated to the Corwen Neuadd (above the One Stop Shop).
Corwen resident Pete Wall attended the meeting on March 4, where he heard how the pavilion would cost £1.3 million to repair.
“Therefore the proposal was to demolish our old friend, but the panel of councillors promised to do all in their power to build a new building in its place,” said Mr Wall.
“To achieve this all members of the public of Corwen and its surrounding areas must support this action.
“So let us all remember this date March 4, 2010 and keep the pressure on our county councillors to honour their promises of providing us with a facility that will serve us all culturally and for civic purposes for the next 100 years.”
A spokeswoman for Denbighshire County Council said: “The outcome of the meeting was positive, with the community representatives and DCC agreeing to move forward together to find a solution.
“The next step is a public meeting towards the end of March, date and venue to be confirmed.”
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