A PROPOSAL to build an outdoor events pavilion at a cost of £226,000 in the grounds of Abergavenny Castle met with a lukewarm reception at a special meeting of Monmouthshire County Council’s Economy and Development Select Committee.

The plan, which would entail a permanent structure being built within the Castle grounds, failed to address the concerns of a number of councillors at the pre-decision scrutiny meeting despite being hailed as an excellent idea and a potential asset to not only Abergavenny but to all who visit the town.

The project was introduced by Monmouthshire museums manager, Rachael Rogers who described the proposed building as, ‘Something akin to a permanent marquee,’ stating, ‘It’s important to note we are not trying to recreate a structure along the lines of a village hall’.

She added, ’We have applied for grants from several funding strands and we are waiting to hear back from them - probably around January for the bulk of the decisions. If everything is successful we would be putting out a tender for the building work during the summer of 2018 and the structure would be in place ready for the 2019 season’.

She added, ’We are not claiming to save the world with this, but by the end of Year Five we would be looking to make a small profit and employing a part-time events coordinator. We have taken the view that the majority of events would be community focused rather than commercially focused’.

A potential hang-up - and a bone of contention for many at the meeting - is the fact that the lease on the Castle grounds expires in 2020. The Castle site is leased from the Nevill Estate in an agreement going back to the nineteenth century and a new lease will be subject to new negotiations.

Councillors were also less than convinced by the argument that financial considerations should not be at the forefront of a decision, with Councillor David Dovey of Chepstow stating, ‘I think the foundations upon which you are building this case are not appropriate, I don’t buy it. I am a positive guy but this one doesn’t ring my bell’.

Councillor Matthew Feakins added, ‘The proposal wasn’t as developed as it could have been. This could be a great asset not only for Abergavenny but for the whole of the county and beyond but it needs better costing in these stringent times and some absolute guarantees with regards to the lease’.

But Ms Rogers assured the meeting the plan’s costing was soundly researched, she stated, ‘The project can ‘wash its face’ in terms of financing; we hope to be able to pay back the loan and generate a small profit. There will be paid-for events, theatre and performances as well as a venue for weddings and private functions which can also be looked at.

‘We can’t control what the Nevill Estate will do in terms of the lease but they have been made fully aware of the proposals as detailed and are fully supportive of the current partnership moving forward’.

Councillor Bob Greenland, Monmouthshire’s cabinet member with responsibility for museums said, ‘We welcome the contribution made by our Economy and Development Select Committee regarding our proposal to erect an outdoor events structure at Abergavenny Castle. 

‘The committee sought further information.  All parties involved are keen to make progress and we continue to hold positive discussions.  Firm proposals on a new lease will be brought to the committee’s meeting in January along with other requested information’.