Project Update, May 2010
Over the last few months the Galilee Chapel Project Committee have been meeting monthly to progress the planning approval process, the activity plan for the building and other matters relating to the project. Here is a brief update:
To-date, an initial round of Heritage Lottery Funding has enabled architects drawings to be created, which can be seen in the DAC Booklet available from this site. The proposed scheme strives to retain the character of the current ruin – as it has been for some 450 years – in the finished building. Besides the exhibition space, the building will also house accessible toilets and tea-making facilities.
Because the building is situated on church-owned land, the planning approval process is handled by the Diocesan Advisory Committee rather than the Council’s Planning Department, although the local council is represented and has been fully consulted in the planning process.
It’s hoped that planning approval will be secured by July 2010, at which point a full application will start with the Heritage Lottery Fund. If the application is successful, the building work is currently expected to take place in the first half of 2011.
The primary ‘physical’ function of the building is to provide a display space for the Celtic Crosses which are currently squashed into the rear end of the West Church. However, the stones, although of great historical significance in themselves, will also serve as a focal point for several other beneficial activities central to this project.
Besides promoting the story of St Illtud and Llantwit Major’s status of the first centre of Christian learning in Britain, it will provide opportunities for a variety of community and educational projects that should benefit local residents, visitors and schools alike. There are 10 activities under development as part of the project which include self-guided trails for tourists and pilgrims, a youth project (to be called ‘Carved in Stone’), a PR campaign, community events and school activities.
A major ‘spin-off’ benefit of the project is that it will make the West Church more accessible for use by local community groups, due to the provision of fold-away seating and the installation of toilets and tea-making facilities in the adjacent Galilee Chapel.
Activity Plans for each of the 10 activities will be posted on this website as they become available.
