Funding supports hotel regeneration project

A specialist funding package has been secured to support the redevelopment of a historic South Wales hotel, helping create jobs and attract more visitors to the Rhondda Valley.

Reward Funding has provided a £265,000 facility to support the refurbishment of the Hendrewen Hotel in Blaencwm, transforming the former community landmark into a themed hotel and gastropub aimed at walkers, cyclists and mountain bikers.

The project is being led by property investor and developer Martin Roberts, who is best known for hosting the BBC One property auction series Homes Under the Hammer.

Martin said: “This project is about more than just refurbishing a property. 

“The Hendrewen Hotel is part of the history in Blaencwm, and we wanted to create something that brings energy, opportunity and investment to the area.

“There is incredible potential here, both from a tourism perspective and in terms of creating more jobs, supporting local people and giving younger generations access to opportunities to develop practical skills. 

“I’m incredibly passionate about the project, and making the hotel a place the community is proud of.”

Structured as a flexible drawdown facility, the finance enables funds to be accessed as required throughout the redevelopment, helping keep borrowing aligned with project costs.

Once complete, the scheme is expected to create around 30 jobs while boosting visitor numbers and supporting the local economy. 

Local tradespeople are playing a key role in the redevelopment, with opportunities also being created for young people to gain practical construction experience.

David Owen, business development director at Reward Funding, added: “This is exactly the type of project we want to support, particularly as many lenders are becoming increasingly cautious about the hospitality sector in the current market. 

“However, we always look at the bigger picture and the true nature of each business. 

“In this case, it is focused on long-term regeneration, employment and local economic impact.

“Martin’s experience and vision for the property is fantastic, as is the wider benefit to the local area. 

“The project has generated strong support on a local and government level and has the potential to become a catalyst for further investment in the area. 

“We’re excited to see this journey come to life.”

Want your business, product or service to be seen regionally and nationally? Bdaily helps you get your story in front of the right audience, every day. Find out how Bdaily can help →

Join more than 55,000 subscribers by signing up to our daily bulletin each morning here.