Glenalla Chapel, Glenalla Road, Llanelli, Carmarthenshire

Name: Glenalla

Denomination: Calvinistic Methodist

Photography: John Ball Date: 29 March 2012 Camera: Nikon D50 digital SLR

Built: 1909
Closed: 1987
Refurbished: 1991 (as civic hall)

Note 1: Glenalla Chapel was built in 1909, in the Romanesque style of the gable entry type, to the design of architect William Griffiths of Llanelli. The chapel was refurbished in 1991 but is now a Community Centre. The building is listed Grade 2.
[Source: Coflein database of the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales (accessed 13 Feb 2016)]

Note 2: The Welsh Methodist Glenalla Chapel was built in 1909, with an extension to provide a schoolroom being added in 1914. Glenalla’s congregations dwindled after the Second World War, and continued to decline until it was forced to close in 1987. By the time closure came, the condition of the building had greatly deteriorated. The Chapel was bought by the Town Council in 1987, and in 1991 a full restoration scheme was completed to create a splendid Civic Hall which retains the quintessential character of the original building. The adjoining former Chapel schoolroom was converted into a community centre. The restoration scheme was recognised by a Prince of Wales Committee Award for the restoration of historic buildings. It is now registered by CADW as a Grade 2 listed building. [Source: Carmarthenshire Community Halls website (accessed 13 Feb 2016)]

Note 3: 1909 Calvinistic Methodist Chapel by William Griffiths of Llanelli. Refurbished 1991 as a community centre. North end 2+ storey facade in brown snecked rubble stone with extensive Bath stone ashlar dressings and rendered 2-storey 5-window side elevations. Slate hipped roof with north front gable. [Source: British Listed Buildings website (accessed 13 Feb 2016)]