Chief executive announced for Welsh castle redevelopment

JESS MAHONEY has been appointed chief executive of the Cyfarthfa Foundation, a charitable organisation aiming to revamp Cyfarthfa Park and Castle in Merthyr Tydfil.

The 20-year plan, financed by Merthyr Tydfil Council, the Welsh government and the UK government’s Shared Prosperity Fund, includes a museum and art gallery set in an expanded 100-hectare public park.

Mahoney, who takes up the post next January, is currently head of Creative Cardiff. Previously, she held a senior policy role at the Greater London Authority, delivering the Mayor of London’s flagship Creative Enterprise Zones programme and was business partnership manager at The British Library.

She has also held learning and engagement roles at the National Dance Company Wales in Cardiff’s Wales Millennium Centre and the Central School of Ballet in London.

GERAINT TALFAN DAVIES, chair of the foundation, said Mahoney would bring “a broad range of experience to the task”, including “pioneering work in developing the creative industries – work that has also involved partnering with local authorities across the Cardiff Capital Region.”

He continued, “This experience will be an enormous asset in moving this transformative project forward.”

“Jess also brings to the table a deep understanding of the place of culture and the creative industries within the economy and society, as well as a commitment to role of community engagement.”

Mahoney added: “Like anyone who grew up in Merthyr, Cyfarthfa Castle and Park holds an enduring place in my heart. As such, it is an honour and privilege to be appointed chief executive of the Cyfarthfa Foundation, leading the realisation of a significant and ambitious vision for the site.

“I look forward to working closely with the foundation team, the board, Merthyr Tydfil Council and the wider community to build on the great progress already delivered and to write an exciting new chapter in Cyfarthfa’s story together.”