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South Wales Argus

Caerphilly space for businesses and community initiatives

Y Banc, located in the former Barclays Bank on Cardiff Road, will be the new hub for creative programmes and community-driven projects. The opening is part of a wider initiative by Caerphilly County Borough Council to transform disused spaces across the region. The council has been working with Urban Foundry, specialists in repurposing empty spaces for community and business use, for more than a year. They have already successfully revitalised a location on the High Street in Bargoed, allowing small businesses to test-trade, network, and access support through workshops delivered by industry experts. Following the success in Bargoed, the initiative moved to Ffos Caerffili, where a number of workshops were held in one of the retail shipping containers. The sessions were created to meet the needs of local businesses, covering everything from funding advice to TikTok marketing strategies. Cynefin Caerffili CIC, a creative community-led social enterprise working to transform Caerphilly through collective cultural activity, will be the first to move into Y Banc and director Ceri Davies called Y Banc a 'real game-changer for us'. Jamie Pritchard, deputy leader and cabinet member for prosperity, regeneration, and transformation, said: "Putting empty buildings to use in our town centres and offering opportunities for community-driven projects and businesses to flourish is a great mix and brings new opportunities to the high street. "We want this space to be active and full of ideas." Tara Tarapetian, director of Urban Foundry, said: "It's not just about creating a place to work – it's about creating an environment where people feel empowered to grow their ideas. "Confidence in the high street, increased footfall, and supporting local businesses to grow the economy are all big outcomes." The project is funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will contribute to long-term regeneration efforts in the county. There are plans to further expand the project. To stay up to date with upcoming events at Y Banc or to find out how to get involved, visit the Cynefin Caerffili website.