Levelling Up Fund: Ruthin Gaol/46 Clwyd Street

Project background

Ruthin Gaol is a Grade 2* listed Pentonville-style prison, one of few left open to visitors in the UK and the only one in Wales. It is a valuable driver of visitor footfall and spend into the area. The main building of Ruthin Gaol is shared with North East Wales Archives, thus space for the museum / visitor attraction is somewhat limited and lacks certain facilities that visitors expect (i.e. a café, education space, local exhibition galleries, etc).

Although it is currently unused, 46 Clwyd Street – a separate building, and the only one with road frontage and visibility to passing trade – is a key part of the Gaol site. It is where the oldest prison in Ruthin once stood. This was later replaced with the current building, which was built as a home and offices for the prison governor. As of today, 46 Clwyd Street has remained empty for almost 10 years.

This Levelling Up-funded project will bring the ground floor of 46 Clwyd Street back into use by developing a new, more prominent entrance to the Gaol, a ticket office and reception area, a café, exhibition and interpretation spaces, and an education room and archival research spaces.

Key points

This project activity is part of Project 1: Ruthin’s Unique Heritage and Wellbeing.

This project as included within the LUF application is focused on improvements to Ruthin Gaol and 46 Clwyd Street.

The expected deliverables are:

• A new entrance through 46 Clwyd Street to the Grade 2* Ruthin Gaol
• Reception area
• Café
• Facilities
• Meeting and learning room
• Exhibition/gallery space
• New interpretation area in 46 Clwyd St
• Museum shop
• Restoration of World War II munitions shed

Current position

A project team has been established.

Draft designs for the site are currently being finalised.

Expected delivery date: summer 2025.

Gallery

Front view of 46 Clwyd Street

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Rear view of 46 Clwyd Street

Consultation

Information on upcoming public engagement / consultation events will be available here.

Frequently Asked Questions

What will be delivered?

• A new entrance through 46 Clwyd Street to the Grade 2* Ruthin Gaol
• Reception area
• Café
• Facilities
• Meeting and learning room
• Exhibition/gallery space
• New interpretation area in 46 Clwyd St
• Museum shop
• Restoration of World War II munitions shed

What are the expected benefits?

This project will contribute to the output and outcomes to be delivered through the Clwyd West Levelling Up Fund application: Protecting Ruthin’s Unique Heritage, Wellbeing and Rural Communities, including refurbishment of a heritage building and encouragement of increased footfall in St Peter’s Square and Ruthin.

Primary benefits include:

• Improved heritage asset.
• Heritage asset safeguarded.
• Increased income generation.
• Expansion of offer - additional services and experiences for visitors and residents.
• Increased footfall (to the site and the town) due to expanding offer.
• Long-term increased sustainability / reduced cost of the facility for Denbighshire County Council.