Levelling Up Fund: Ruthin Gaol/46 Clwyd Street

Project background

Ruthin Gaol is a Grade 2* listed Pentonville-style prison – one of few open to visitors in the UK and the only one in Wales. It is a valuable driver of visitor footfall and income in the local area. However, there is a lack of sufficient space in the current site to accommodate facilities that many visitors to heritage sites now expect, i.e. a café, extensive shop, education space, exhibition galleries, etc. The central focus of this project will be the restoration of the adjacent property at 46 Clwyd Street, which will provide these services and expand the overall offer at Ruthin Gaol.

Although it is currently unused, 46 Clwyd Street is a key part of the Gaol site. It is where the original prison once stood. This was later replaced with the current building, which was built as a home and office for the prison governor. As of today, 46 Clwyd Street has remained empty for over 10 years.

This project will bring the ground floor of 46 Clwyd Street back into use by developing a new, more prominent main entrance to the Gaol, an enhanced ticket office and reception area, a café, additional exhibition spaces, and public research space for the North East Wales Archives.

Key points

• This project activity is part of UK Government Funding focused on Ruthin’s Unique Heritage and Wellbeing.
• This project will deliver substantial improvements to 46 Clwyd Street.
• The design contract has been awarded to local consultants TACP Architects.
• The construction contract has been awarded to local builders B&W Builders and Decorators.
• The project is due to be completed by February 2026.

Current position

Construction is now complete on site.

Gallery

Front view of 46 Clwyd Street

Rear view of 46 Clwyd Street

46 Clwyd Street: Proposed floor plans (TACP Architects)

In-progress construction photos

Frequently Asked Questions

What will be delivered?

The expected deliverables are:

• A new entrance through 46 Clwyd Street to the Grade 2* Ruthin Gaol
• Reception area
• Museum shop
• Café
• NEWA research room
• Exhibition / gallery space

What are the expected benefits?

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 DCC.

Will access to Ruthin Gaol still be available during the work on 46 Clwyd Street?

There is no anticipated disruption to visitor access to the main building of Ruthin Gaol or the North East Wales Archives. During the construction phase, restoration work should be largely contained within 46 Clwyd Street.

What are the next steps?

Once construction is complete, the focus will be on:

• Finding a tenant for the café space. A request for EOIs will be issued and advertised through Denbighshire channels.
• Installing new exhibition equipment and interpretation material. This work is being undertaken in partnership with heritage development consultancy and interpretive design company Headland Design Associates.
• Relocating the current Gaol reception and shop area to 46 Clwyd Street.