Residents are invited to workshops at St Paul’s Community Centre during
October to redesign the stain glass windows at the former Church on Arcot
Street.
Sarah Sweeney, a local artist who’s leading the project for Newydd Housing Association, is gathering stories and ideas from local people as well as providing sessions with local schools and colleges. Together with the community, she will be producing new window designs for St Paul’s Community Centre, which opened earlier this year.
Built in the 1850’s through the benevolence of local resident Mary Morgan, the purpose of St Paul’s Church was to serve and support the families working and living around the docks area in Penarth.
In 2017, Newydd was selected by the Vale of Glamorgan Council as the preferred bidder to redevelop St Paul’s Church. The housing association worked in partnership with local residents, the Council and community organisations to alter the proposal to fit local need. Since then, the development now provides fourteen much needed affordable homes to local people as well as a community centre managed by GVS.
Rachel Honey-Jones, Head of Community Regeneration at Newydd Housing Association said, “As part of the original planning agreement, the original façade of the building was retained, to be in-keeping with the architecture in the area. To finish this stunning development, we are very much urging local people to attend the workshops. We need to turn stories and ideas into beautiful stain glass windows that the whole community can be proud of.”
Cllr Ruba Sivagnanam, Vale of Glamorgan Council Cabinet Member for Community Engagement, Equalities and Regulatory Services, said: “The opening of this new facility in Penarth shows just what can be achieved when partners and communities come together.
“Glamorgan Voluntary Service, Newydd and the Vale of Glamorgan Council have all played a part, but most importantly the development of this community space has been guided by the local residents and groups that will use it.
“I am delighted that the community has a major role in designing the space. The window will reflect the local Penarth communities and I can’t wait to see what residents come up with.”
Sarah Sweeney, local Artist and Project Lead for the window redesign said, “This is a fantastic project to be involved in as we get to hear and reflect on what the community means to local people, from all ages and stages of life. I’m honoured to play my part in bringing those stories to life and so that they are remembered for generations to come.”
There will be two sessions at St Paul's Community Centre taking place on Sunday 2nd October from 2.00pm – 4.00pm and Monday 10th Oct from 6.30pm - 8.00pm with refreshments included. Come and help create a piece of history.
If you are unable to attend, but want to share your ideas and stories, please email Sarah at stpaulspenarth@gmail.com
