Welsh theological college set for major refurb

Wales’ only clergy training college is to undergo a £1.1m refurbishment programme.

St Michael’s College is upgrading its historic listed building in the heart of Cardiff’s prestigious suburb of Llandaff in order to offer first-class facilities for students and to accommodate conferences.

The work will be carried out thanks to a £1.1m investment from the Church in Wales and will begin on Wednesday with a ceremony led by the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan and the Principal of the College, Canon Dr Peter Sedgwick.

They will move the initial stones in preparation for the construction company, Andrew Scott Ltd, to take over. It is hoped the work, which will include improving disabled access and installing en-suite facilities, and be completed by mid October.

Dr Sedgwick said the investment was a vote of confidence in the college. He said, “Last summer the college had a very good inspection result. Now we have a large investment from the Church in Wales which will make the college buildings equal to any other college in Britain, as well as enabling us to offer excellent conference facilities. It all adds up to a very bright future for St.Michael’s.”

Dr Morgan, who is chairman of the college’s Trustees, said the refurbishment would enable St Michael’s College to achieve its full potential.

He said, “In many ways, St Michael’s has been hiding its light under a bushel. It’s a gem of a building in a stunning location but, like many beautiful old buildings, has been held back because of the costs involved in maintaining it and adapting it for today’s needs.

“The Church in Wales believes that investing in St Michael’s now will enable it to play its full part in the training of clergy and in providing a tranquil location for conferences right in the heart of Cardiff.”

The refurbishment will involve installing ensuite bathrooms throughout the accommodation block, providing an accessible front door access and lift to the first floor, upgrading the ground floor rooms and adding a new reception area.

The college’s make-over began earlier this year with the launch of a new website, at www.stmichaels.ac.uk. The new design enables people from all over the world to find out about the 115-year-old college which trains candidates for ministry in the Anglican and other Christian denominations in Wales and beyond.