While the popular and ever-growing Festival will always be important to the future of the building, soon it will also be known for creative energy.

Going almost full circle, the building which once housed people so poor they couldn't support themselves will house businesses built on creative energy.

The restoration of the Llanfyllin's old Victorian workhouse has moved into a new phase, with the opening of an indoor entertainment venue complete with bar.

The venue has been created in the old dining room – "where the paupers used to sit on long wooden benches and eat gruel," said John Hainsworth.

The room was refurbished thanks to a grant from the European Regional Development Fund – and a full programme of events is planned for the autumn.

The opening event last week featured a choir from Aberystwyth, and events lined up soon include Potted Potter – 'all seven Potter books in 70 minutes'.

Work will start soon on a gallery and shop. "We want to showcase works from Mid Wales and the Borders," said Mr Hainsworth. "That will be created in the next few months."

They also plan to let units as workshops to "creative businesses".
"We want the Workhouse to be a centre of creativity. Workshops will be let to creative enterprises," said Mr Hainsworth, of the Workhouse trustees.

The Dolydd will stay true to its green ethos. "We have installed underfloor heating," said Mr Hainsworth, "powered by biomass fuel, we're keen to be green."

Short courses planned fit in with the theme – green oak framing, bee-keeping and hive making are planned but first up is an Introduction to Permaculture Design.

"The idea is to be self funding," added Mr Hainsworth.
"What we're trying to create here is quite big. It's a project of national importance."

Self funding means that the Dolydd needs an income stream.
"The roadside wing we're going to turn into housing," said Mr Hainsworth. "Four residential units, a three-bedroom house, a studio flat and two flats.

"The rent from the properties will give us an income."

The housing will not be the only accommodation on site – one wing of the building is to be turned into a residential 'bunkhouse' with room for 30 people.

And, subject to planning, they plan to add proper camping facilities at some point.

The places to sleep are not just aimed at the popular Workhouse Festival, but instead should get year-round use – thanks to a series of courses being planned.

The Workhouse will offer accredited courses in music workshops, sound and lighting and event management to name but a few – with accommodation on site.

A bookshop and an area housing the history of the building – probably the finest surviving example of workhouses built under the Poor Law Act of 1834 — are also in the pipeline, along with an education block and a community garden.

Even then, there is still scope for more uses within the building.
"There are still some areas that are not accounted for," said Mr Hainsworth, "We have the space to expand, depending on what works and demand."

He didn't rule out additional housing on site in the future in some of the spare capacity, but added: "We'd rather not have more that the roadside wing for housing."

Once Y Dolydd was filled with just desperation, poor people desperate to better themselves or without hope, but now the building is filled with hope – and soon creativity.

The site even hosted its first wedding last month, as a local family chose to use the historic setting a stunning location for their big day. Catering facilities are available on site.

The Workhouse Project is still looking for help from volunteers.
"The work has largely been done by volunteers," said Mr Hainsworth.
"We have had £10,000 worth of volunteer labour. But we want to recruit another 1,000 members by Christmas. It's a real chance for people to get involved."

Contact 01691 649062 or visit www.llanfyllinworkhouse.org for more details.