Historic town centre building set for refurbishment

Plans to redevelop one of Newtown’s landmark buildings have taken a step forward following the award of significant grant funding.

Sarah Brisco House, home to Newtown and Llanllwchaiarn Town Council and the Robert Owen Museum, has been awarded a Capital Development Grant of £112,846 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and £4,754 from the Architectural Heritage Fund. 

Contributions from the three partner organisations – the Sarah Brisco Trust, the Town Council, and the Museum – will also support the project.

The funding will enable the development of proposals to modernise and secure the future of the Grade II listed property, including architectural studies, business planning, and community engagement. 

A Project Board comprising representatives from the three parties has appointed a Project Manager. Consultant teams will be engaged later this year to provide expertise in planning, interpretation, and design.

The Robert Owen Museum, which tells the story of the 19th-century social reformer and pioneer of the co-operative movement, will undergo a programme of renewal. Updated interpretation and redesigned galleries will present Owen’s legacy in a modern context while also reflecting Newtown’s broader history and contemporary community stories.

According to the Town Council, *“the community will benefit from a town centre building modernised to 21st century standards for 21st century community use, and an attraction in its own right.”*

The investment will provide facilities for the town council to support democratic functions in the 21st century, with a focus on accessibility and digital capability. 

The Sarah Brisco Trust will benefit from safeguarding one of the town’s historic assets, while the wider community will gain a revitalised building at the heart of the town centre.

Community engagement activities are expected to commence later in 2025, inviting residents and organisations to contribute to the design of exhibitions, events, and future use of the building.

On completion, Sarah Brisco House will offer a new heritage attraction and community hub, providing modern galleries, learning spaces, and meeting facilities. Operations will be supported by a long-term business plan to ensure financial sustainability.