22/08/23 

Clwb Ifor Bach's proposed redevelopment took a step forward recently as Cardiff Council has entered into a long term leasehold of 9 Womanby Street, the property adjacent to the long-established venue.

The agreement, which is intended to help secure the long-term future of the iconic independent music venue, provides Clwb both the time and security to raise the funds required to expand and upgrade its current site and has enabled the iconic venue to move forward with a planning application for the redevelopment.

If the planning application is approved, and funding is secured, Clwb will then enter into a back-to-back lease for 125 years for use of the property at 9 Womanby Street as a live music venue and cultural centre, and the iconic independent venue will be transformed into a contemporary, fully accessible multi-room venue.

Council Leader, and Chair of Cardiff Music Board, Cllr Huw Thomas said: "Clwb Ifor Bach has been part of the fabric of Cardiff's grassroots music scene since 1983, providing a vital platform for many Welsh musicians and bands at the start of their careers, drawing visitors to the city, and contributing significantly to Cardiff's creative and cultural offer.

"We remain committed to delivering our Music Strategy and ensuring music and culture continues to thrive in Cardiff. Entering into this agreement, will help secure Clwb's place at the heart of the live music scene for at least another 125 years, and marks the start of what promises to be an exciting time for music in Cardiff."

Clwb Ifor Bach Chief Executive, Guto Brychan, said: "We have been working with Cardiff Council for a number of years to secure the future of Clwb Ifor Bach, and now, with the option to take on a long-term lease in place, our vision to redevelop both properties into a new, truly accessible, multi venue space has taken a massive leap forward.

"We will now be submitting the planning application that outlines our plans and begin the work to raise the funds needed to realise our ambition. We also celebrating our 40^thbirthday this year, and this feels like the beginning of a new chapter for us as a venue and one that will secure our legacy for many years to come.

"We would like to thank Huw Thomas and his team for their commitment to the grassroots music sector in Cardiff, and the work done to help us and other venues in the city to survive the challenges of the last few years."