A ramp for improving disability access will be included in the renovation of Machynlleth Community Centre as plans have been approved by Powys County Council.

On October 16, Powys County Council approved an application for planning permission to install a new ramp at the entrance of Y Plas community hall, bringing improved disabled access to the 250-seat arena.

A temporary ramp will be installed to provide disabled access while the works to improve the front entrance are being carried out as part of a £146,000 project to improve the entrance of the hall which started in September 2024.

The application outlines plans to maintain disabled access to the hall, but also provide a permanent ramp for access of equipment to the hall’s backstage door, which planners say could “allow a greater variety of events to be held” there.

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The application says: “The proposal is to provide alternative temporary disabled access whilst works to replace the existing disability ramp with a new Planning & LBC approved scheme is being carried out, as well as long-term use as a ramp to manoeuvre equipment to the backstage area.

“The new access to the primary entrance will provide full disability access in perpetuity to the property, which this application serves to provide temporary disability access during the above mentioned works, and to provide direct and convenient access for equipment into the backstage area of Y Plas community hall to allow a greater variety of events to be held in future.

“As part of this work it was a necessity to provide alternative disability entrance, an area was outlined but a permanent ramp is proposed that could be used in perpetuity for the manoeuvring of equipment in and out of the backstage area of the hall.”

(Image: MachSpace)

The work will be part of a £146,000 project has been funded by Powys County Council Town Regeneration Department, National Lottery Crona Gymunedol Community fund, Garthgwynion Trust.

The renovation hopes to breathe new life into the hall, which sits alongside the Grade II listed building of Y Plas and has been used as offices for Machynlleth Town Council, but has become dilapidated because of a lack of upkeep in recent years.