St Davids day launch of a new Community Hub Project for Cardigan Town: Hwb Aberteifi

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St Davids day launch of a new Community Hub Project for Cardigan Town: Hwb Aberteifi
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A group of dedicated local volunteers is proud to announce an exciting new venture to transform the historic Tabernacl Chapel in Cardigan into a vibrant community hub, to be named Hwb Aberteifi. The ambitious project was launched on the afternoon of St Davids Day outside the iconic chapel on the main street of Cardigan. The aim is to create a multi-purpose space that celebrates Cardigan’s rich cultural heritage while providing a centre for education, music, poetry, and community activities.
The overall cost of the project is estimated at £600,000, with an upfront amount of £150,000 needed by 31 March 2025. The campaign group will officially launch the project on 1 March 2025, St David’s Day, a symbolic date to honour Welsh culture and community spirit. A new website was also launched on St Davids day explaining the project with all the information about the campaign. www.hwb-aberteifi.org
Also, there is now an intention to hold a public meeting at the site on Saturday the 8th of March at 1pm to allow people who are interested in cooperatively owning the site to view the property.
Vision for Hwb Aberteifi
The historic Tabernacl Chapel, a Victorian-era building, holds immense potential as a community asset. Once restored, Hwb Aberteifi will offer:
A cultural and educational centre showcasing the work of the local poet and Archdruid, Dic Jones.
A music studio and recording space for the community music label, Fflach, which plans to return to Tabernacl’s
A drop-in area for residents and visitors to discuss and develop new activities and initiatives for the town.
The project aligns with the 2026 National Eisteddfod, which is set to return to the area, and the 850th anniversary of the first Eisteddfod held at Cardigan Castle in 1176. Hwb Aberteifi will be a key addition to Cardigan’s cultural offering, enriching the town’s appeal for locals and visitors alike.
Supported by Local Champions:
The project is backed by Cardigan Aberteifi Society (CAS) and 4CG Cymru Cyf., organisations with a history of community-led regeneration. 4CG Cymru Cyf. has previously transformed the Old Police Station and Courthouse in Cardigan, as well as the Pwllhai site, which includes two community car parks, six flats, shops, and storage units. Their expertise and commitment to community development make them valuable partners in this venture. The project also receives support from PLANED, the community asset development charity based in Narberth, which has supported numerous communities in purchasing shops, pubs, chapels, and land for community use. The project has received initial start-up funding from the Welsh Government's Perthyn initiative supporting Welsh Language projects.
A Unique Opportunity to Support the Community
To raise the necessary funds, the campaign invites individuals to lend £1,000 over a three-year period at an attractive annual interest rate of 4%. This investment opportunity also offers an additional benefit of 30% tax relief under the Enterprise Investment Scheme (EIS), making it a financially beneficial way to support a transformative local project.
With the guaranteed 4% interest, this scheme offers a better return than leaving £1,000 in a traditional savings account. By participating, supporters will not only earn competitive interest on their investment but also play a vital role in safeguarding Cardigan’s heritage and creating a lasting legacy for future generations.
How to Get Involved
Those interested in supporting the campaign can find full details of the loan scheme by visiting www.hwbaberteifi.cymru. Additionally, application forms are available at Awen Teifi shop in Cardigan and at the Community Book Shop. . Throughout March, a number of drop-in events will be held where people can view the chapel site and ask questions about the development and business plan. The first will be on Saturday the 8th of March at 1pm in the chapel site.
A spokesperson for the project, Richard Jones, said: “Hwb Aberteifi is more than just a building – it’s a vision for a stronger, more connected community. By transforming the historic Tabernacl Chapel, we can create a space that brings people together, celebrates our heritage, and supports local creativity and innovation. We call on everyone who cares about Cardigan to join us in making this dream a reality.”
A Collaborative Effort for Cardigan’s Future
The project is a collaborative effort between local volunteers, Cardigan Aberteifi Society (CAS), 4CG Cymru Cyf., and PLANED, all of whom are committed to preserving Cardigan’s history while creating a vibrant future. The group has already visited the chapel site and is excited about its potential, despite the substantial work needed to restore the Victorian building. Cris Tomos the community assets coordinator at PLANED noted “It is great to see community groups showing such initiative to buy old empty buildings to transform them into community hubs. I am confident that people in and around Cardigan will support this venture since a similar campaign in the September last year raised £148,000 in one month to support the purchase of Bethlehem Chapel in Newport, Pembrokeshire, which is now a community centre for local cultural activities.”
Join Us in Building Hwb Aberteifi
The first public event to discuss the fundraising campaign will be on Saturday the 8th of March at 1pm and marks the start of an exciting journey for Cardigan. With the community’s support, Hwb Aberteifi will become a cornerstone of Cardigan’s town life, offering a space for creativity, connection, and celebration.
For more information, visit www.hwbaberteifi.cymru or contact the project team at on hwbaberteifi@gmail.com

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