G4C Wales Heritage and Conservation Event at the Trinity Centre, Cardiff
On Tuesday 23rd September, G4C Wales held a Heritage Bitesize event at the newly refurbished Trinity Centre in Adamsdown, Cardiff. The morning drew a wide audience keen to hear first-hand from those delivering some of Wales’s most complex and meaningful conservation projects.
Speakers from Knox and Wells Ltd described their work on Flat Holm, which included preserving the island’s historic cholera hospital and refurbishing the foghorn station. The team explained how they overcame the logistical challenges of transporting materials by landing craft within tight tidal windows, while carefully managing impacts on sensitive flora and fauna. Their presentation captured both the practical realities and the cultural importance of protecting this little-known but central part of Wales’s heritage.
John Weaver Contractors then gave insight into the refurbishment of the Trinity Centre itself, where the event was held. Project Manager David Rowden spoke about the hidden heritage uncovered during construction – from original fireplace settings to fragile church windows – and how innovative solutions, including laser technology, were used to conserve key features. His candid reflections on unforeseen costs and the challenges of working with conservation officers resonated with many in the room.
Julie Holes and Owain Whatley from Museum Wales followed with a presentation on the restoration of the early 20th-century glasshouses at St Fagans. They highlighted the importance of protecting heritage spaces that inspire thousands of children each year, while also tackling issues of accessibility and awareness to ensure wider communities can benefit from publicly funded projects.
The final talk came from Tom Hill of Mann Williams, who shared the story of Llwyn Celyn, a medieval Welsh farmstead restoration delivered in partnership with the Landmark Trust. He emphasised the constant balance between cost, design, and conservation – from stabilising a barn leaning dramatically off its axis, to retaining as much original structure as possible while making the site viable for reuse as community and visitor accommodation. His passion for history and honesty about compromise in conservation struck a strong chord with the audience.
The event was a showcase of the creativity, skill, and determination driving Wales’s heritage sector, and a reminder of the real value of collaboration in keeping our historic sites alive for future generations.
To find out more about G4C Wales take a look at our website https://www.cewales.org.uk/get-involved/g4cwales/