Background information from Y.M.C.A. Building
The former Y.M.C.A. is a striking four –storey terracotta building occupying a commanding and elevated position at the northern end of the town centre at Pontmorlais , where it joins the Brecon Road. It is a Grade II listed property, which was re-listed on the 13th January 1998.
Originally the Y.M.C.A. buildings at Pontmorlais cost £8, 400 and, following a competition, they were constructed from the competitive designs of Ivor Jones and Sir Percy Thomas, architects from Cardiff.
The official opening was on the 5th October 1911 by Mr Mervyn Wingfield.
The stated purpose of the building was to provide a place where youths and young men could congregate for healthy amusement, recreation and health giving exercise.
On the ground floor were offices 2 shops and a café, the first floor had a lecture hall which could seat 150 and also a billiard room with 2 tables, the second floor had a lounge, reading room, games room and a library, and on the upper floor there were Other games rooms, a rifle range and gymnasium.
In later years the building was occupied by the Board of Trade and the Labour Exchange and then became the District Education Offices. The Y.M.C.A. played a major role in the educational and sporting life of Merthyr Tydfil
This building was my first experience in exploring, its also been a wonder to me for many years, I've gone by daily imagining what it looked like inside. This once grand building which brought happiness to many young men is now left in ruins. A shell of a building with no roof that is now the home to several pigeons and an abundance of creepy crawlies.
The former Y.M.C.A. is a striking four –storey terracotta building occupying a commanding and elevated position at the northern end of the town centre at Pontmorlais , where it joins the Brecon Road. It is a Grade II listed property, which was re-listed on the 13th January 1998.
Originally the Y.M.C.A. buildings at Pontmorlais cost £8, 400 and, following a competition, they were constructed from the competitive designs of Ivor Jones and Sir Percy Thomas, architects from Cardiff.
The official opening was on the 5th October 1911 by Mr Mervyn Wingfield.
The stated purpose of the building was to provide a place where youths and young men could congregate for healthy amusement, recreation and health giving exercise.
On the ground floor were offices 2 shops and a café, the first floor had a lecture hall which could seat 150 and also a billiard room with 2 tables, the second floor had a lounge, reading room, games room and a library, and on the upper floor there were Other games rooms, a rifle range and gymnasium.
In later years the building was occupied by the Board of Trade and the Labour Exchange and then became the District Education Offices. The Y.M.C.A. played a major role in the educational and sporting life of Merthyr Tydfil
This building was my first experience in exploring, its also been a wonder to me for many years, I've gone by daily imagining what it looked like inside. This once grand building which brought happiness to many young men is now left in ruins. A shell of a building with no roof that is now the home to several pigeons and an abundance of creepy crawlies.
