Old Bargoed Police Court gets Makeover

23rd May 2014

Between 11:30am and 12:30pm on Saturday June 28th, Gwent PCC Ian Johnston, the Mayor of Bargoed Howard Llewellyn and the Mayor of Caerphilly County Borough Council, David Carter, will together officially open Bargoed's new Town Hall at the old Police Court.

Built in 1904, the listed building on Hanbury Road next door to Bargoed Police Station forms part of the Police and Crime Commissioners estate. Boasting ample space, the vast building wasn't being used to its full capacity and the Commissioner decided it would be best to lease the space to an organisation or a body in the community which could make better use of its facilities.

At the same time, Bargoed Town Council, which serves the areas of Bargoed, Gilfach and Aberbargoed, was also looking to relocate their office and chamber to a more accessible location in the centre of Bargoed. Following constructive discussions with the PCC, council members unanimously voted to relocate their office to the old court house in the heart of the community last year.

And following a makeover, the Police Court building will now be known as the 'Bargoed Town Hall' and on Saturday the Town Council will also officially unveil their new logo and crest they designed to celebrate the opening of the office.

Open every Wednesdays between 10am and 4pm, the new office has been fully refurbished, meets all disability requirements and will allow the town council to make considerable financial savings over the coming years. A new meeting chamber and open plan office has been created, allowing for a better working environment for the Town Council Clerk and its members. The central location in Bargoed also provides excellent access for the public.

The Police and Crime Commissioner for Gwent, Ian Johnston, said: "It's great to see life injected back into the old Police Court again. Police stations play an important role in reassuring the public but we can make more effective use of the spaces available at some of our stations and breathe life back into our buildings by forging partnerships such as this one. I'm delighted that we were able to accommodate Bargoed Town Council and provide them with a centralised base in the heart of the community they serve. The rental yield is also circulated back into the estates pot which helps towards the upkeep of our stations and properties throughout Gwent."

He added: "I want to see the use of and engagement opportunities at police stations maximised to ensure they are a hub for local people and that Gwent Police has a strong presence in the heart of the communities it serves."

The Mayor of Bargoed, Howard Llewellyn, said: "After having talks with the newly elected Commissioner we at the Bargoed Town Council were delighted at the prospect of moving into the building adjacent to Bargoed Police station, formerly the Magistrates Court. We considered that our occupation would help to further our image and accessibility with local residents as the building is in a prime location on the high street and it would also support the Commissioner in his drive to maintain a presence and a police station in Bargoed. We felt that our occupation would create more activity at the building and that our intention is to encourage other organisations to meet in our rooms, such as the Crime Prevention Panel, the Chamber of Trade and so on. The Police and Crime Commissioner and Gwent Police have been very supportive in their approach to our arrival, in that they have redecorated and refurbished the room to the highest of standards, creating a delightful ambiance, and they have more than fulfilled all our requirements. Finally we would like to give our thanks and praise to the Commissioner for his enthusiasm and support without whom this would not have been possible."

Caerphilly County Borough Councillor and the Leader of Bargoed Town Council, Tudor Davies, added: "The Council are thrilled to be working alongside Gwent Police. The Court Building is an iconic part of the history within Bargoed and we at the Town Council are delighted to have secured the building for future generations."

From 12.30pm until 3.00pm there will also be an open door opportunity for members of the public who wish to see the new office and chamber to have a look around and speak to some of the Councillors.