The Isle of Anglesey County Council is delighted to announce that its vision to revitalise this landmark building has received a significant funding boost from the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) has earmarked £2.375m towards the project and provided £50,000 upfront to help successfully develop plans for the hall. 

The news follows the recent award of £1.55m by the HLF in helping the council to deliver a Phase II Townscape Heritage Initiative to support the repair and reuse of other historic buildings in the town centre.

The project proposes a major refurbishment of the former market hall, a Grade II listed building - alongside essential conservation work – once again providing public access to this much valued historic building at the heart of Holyhead town centre.

It is proposed the building will combine a relocated town library with an enhanced local history collection, while also providing a new exhibition space and other complementary uses, contributing to Holyhead’s potential as an increasingly important heritage and cultural destination. The proposals also include the development of a new interpretation strategy and activity plan for the building to reveal inspirational stories, unfold layers of history, thought and knowledge and help more people learn, understand and care about the building and history of the town centre.

The work will encourage new audiences, support community development and transform visitors’ and users experience of the library service and market hall. It will deliver improvements in accessibility, facilities and infrastructure, and will benefit local residents, community groups, schools, tourists amongst others.

Anglesey Council’s Director of Sustainable Development, Arthur Owen, said: “The Market Hall is a vital regeneration project for Holyhead town centre. It has been a focus of our concerns and attention for a number of years. We’re pleased that the HLF shares our vision, building on the Welsh Government’s commitment of £700,000 towards the project through the Viable and Vibrant Places programme, for the long term reuse and repair of this iconic historic building. We look forward to working with stakeholders and the community in detailing up the proposals over the coming months.”

Jennifer Stewart, Head of Heritage Lottery Fund Wales, added: “As Holyhead’s first public building, the Market Hall is an extremely important part of the town’s architectural  and cultural heritage. I’m delighted that we’ve been able to earmark funding of £2,425,000, including a development grant of £50,000, which will be spent on developing plans for the project in more detail.”

“Future plans for the building include transforming it into a new centre for training, community activity and heritage learning.  I’m delighted that the currently empty building will hopefully become the new home for Holyhead Library and the Island’s local history collection, giving it a whole new important purpose.  We look forward to seeing these exciting plans develop.”

Thanks to players of the National Lottery, this is the second major investment HLF has made in Holyhead in recent months.”

Further information

For further information: Gethin Jones, Communications Unit on 01248 752 130.