In 2019, no. 26 Hannah Street in Porth was a dilapidated, vacant property. However, Andrew Murrain could see the potential of the property in the heart of the town centre and bought it with the aim of developing it into a café/bar to enrich Porth’s night-time offer.
Increasing costs of materials and labour meant financial support was needed to complete the project, so Andrew applied for the Rhondda Cynon Taf Council Commercial Improvement Grant!
The application was successful and to date, the Commercial Improvement Grant has contributed to:
- The development of the property frontage. The overall condition of the property was being seriously impacted by the water coming in through the front, but this is now refurbished and watertight.
- The installation of a double-glazed shop front and roller shutter. The property is now secure, has a much-improved energy rating and looks fit for a modern business.
Work to complete the new café/bar is ongoing and “Murrain’s” is on schedule to open later this year.
Councillor Mark Norris, Cabinet Member for Prosperity and Development said:
Rhondda Cynon Taf Council is committed to developing the local economy and as part of this commitment, there are a range of financial investment programmes available, supported by funding from the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity Fund and Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Grant.
The Commercial Improvement Grant accessed by Andrew Murrain is one of these programmes. It’s fantastic to see local business owners, supported by the Council’s regeneration team, completing renovations, developing their businesses in our town centres, bringing decaying buildings back into beneficial use and contributing to the strong local economy we are all working towards.
I’d like to wish Andrew the best of luck as work continues on his new business in advance of it opening later this year - I’m sure Murrain’s café/bar will be a popular and welcome addition to Porth town centre.
For more information on business and third sector grants, please click here
Posted on 17/07/2024