A space for local businesses, creative programmes, and community-driven initiatives. Y Banc opens in Caerphilly
Caerphilly County Borough Council has been transforming disused spaces across the region for over a year through a progressive pop-up project.
Partnering with Urban Foundry, specialists in repurposing empty spaces for community and business use, they have already successfully revitalised a location on the High Street in Bargoed. It allowed 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 programme of workshops was held in one of the retail shipping containers. The sessions were created to specifically meet the needs of local businesses, covering everything from funding advice to TikTok marketing strategies.
Y Banc, a newly transformed multi-purpose space located in the former Barclays Bank, is set to open later this month on Cardiff Road in Caerphilly and also forms part of the wider popup project. The space, designed to a high standard, will provide a hub for local businesses, creative programmes, and community-driven initiatives.
Jamie Pritchard, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Prosperity, Regeneration & Transformation said:
“Putting empty buildings to use in our town centres and offering opportunities for community – driven projects and business 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, 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. Being visible in a good quality space can make all the difference. Caerphilly County Borough Council has been fantastic to work with – they are progressive, proactive, and they get things done.”
The first organisation to move into Y Banc will be Cynefin Caerffili CIC, a creative community-led social enterprise working to transform Caerphilly through collective cultural activity.
Founded and currently run by five volunteer directors, the team is taking a phased approach to the opening of Y Banc – focusing initially on listening to the community, building partnerships, and curating an inclusive programme of arts, entertainment, and creative opportunities. This soft launch marks the beginning of a long-term vision to redevelop the historic Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall into a vibrant cultural hub for the region.
“Our work began with a shared commitment to support the amazing and dedicated trustees of the Caerphilly Workmen’s Hall – but it quickly became clear that the potential goes far beyond preserving a well-loved and important cultural community building. By forming a community-led team, and with support from the Caerphilly 2035 Placemaking Plan, we’re laying the groundwork toward our wider goal of a vibrant cultural hub for the region, rooted in creativity, inclusivity and local identity.”
Jane Coles, Director, Cynefin Caerffili CIC
“Our aim is to inspire creative self-expression, promote bilingual learning, and create accessible opportunities for people to explore their creativity. We’re here to strengthen community identity, celebrate cultural heritage, and offer a welcoming space where people can connect, learn, and share ideas – right in the heart of Caerphilly. Having access to this space is a real game-changer for us. It means we can be visible and approachable – so when the doors are open, anyone can drop in, see what we’re about, and discover how they can get involved. The upskilling workshops I attended at Ffos Caerffili have already given me fresh ideas, practical strategies, and real motivation.”
Ceri Davies, Director, Cynefin Caerffili CIC
To stay up to date with upcoming events at Y Banc or to find out how to get involved, please visit www.cynefincaerffili.orgor follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/cynefincaerffili
“It’s important to have strategies for urban regeneration, but what I love about this project is that it’s about taking action and making visible change. The response to the pop-up project has been overwhelmingly positive, and even better is the impact it has had on people and organisations. I’m really excited about Y Banc, and I love the positive feedback we’ve had from the community. It has opened the doors to a beautiful building that was empty.”
Jo Hillier-Raikes, Town Centre Manager, Caerphilly County Borough Council.
This project has been funded by the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and will contribute to long-term regeneration efforts in Caerphilly. With plans to expand the project further, Urban Foundry and Caerphilly County Borough Council are set to continue their mission to reinvigorate the region.
