The Workhouse Project’s vision is to preserve the historic Y Dolydd building and turn it into a centre for creativity, education and sustainability.
The abandoned Workhouse buildings in 2007
Llanfyllin Workhouse is a registered charity known as The Llanfyllin Dolydd Building Preservation Trust (charity no.1091097).
Built in 1837, this imposing stone building served as a workhouse for up to 250 inmates until 1930, when it became a local authority institution and later a care home. It finally closed in 1983. It enjoyed a brief period of rejuvenation as an outdoor pursuits centre, before being left empty from the mid 80′s.
The building and surrounding land is now owned and run by the community, for the community. The aim is to strive to be a leading force in the integration of education, arts, entertainment and employment using a holistic and sustainable approach based upon sound social and environmental principles.
Syrcus Circus Cabaret tent at the Workhouse festival
The Workhouse is developing as an exciting hub for education, music, local produce, green crafts and arts. We want to attract people locally, across Wales, from the UK and beyond in creative educational events, courses and gatherings.
We aim to provide valuable learning experiences for all ages and will have a broad spectrum of educational and training courses including green crafts, gardening, creative arts and performance skills.
Besides generating its own activities, The Workhouse makes available space and facilities for community organisations and for creative enterprises, encouraging local initiatives and contributing to rural regeneration.
Volunteers working on the Garden of Reflection
Refurbishment of the building is in progress, with much of the work carried out by volunteers using recycled materials wherever possible. A Conservation Management Plan has been drawn up, and all work is designed to accord with established conservation principles and with the building’s listed status.
The Workhouse History Group is carrying out research into the history of the building and of the Llanfyllin Poor Law Union. It has collaborated with The National Archives to catalogue the extensive, untapped collection of material held at Kew and has digitised the minutes of the Llanfyllin guardians in Powys Archives. Historical exhibitions have been held and it is planned to develop further educational resources and ultimately a Workhouse History Centre.
The restoration of this historic building presents a huge challenge and we cannot do it without the help of our supporters. We are looking for volunteers to help us with many aspects of the development and there are a number of ways to get involved. To receive regular updates about events and restoration please check the website regularly or become a member.
Work party April 08
The Llanfyllin Workhouse is set in a beautiful rural location, only 1/4 mile from the small rural town of Llanfyllin itself and has the added benefit of being within easy access of the M54 and M6 motorways.
Visitors will be able to extend their visit soon and stay in simple bunk house accommodation, once completed, or camp in the grounds.
Permaculture design group at the Workhouse in May 2010
We are developing a programme of courses for 2011.
See the events section for the latest up coming events
See our Press and Newsletter archive for latest information about the project.