Y Tabernacl (tabernacle)

The Tabernacle is a former Wesleyan chapel converted in 1986 as a centre of performing arts. An adjoining mid-nineteenth century 3-bay house (Harvey House) was later acquired to provide an art gallery and other ancillary accommodation. The Tabernacle, Harvey House and the green room block were linked by the Owen Owen Building in 1994.

The old chapel is set well back from the street frontage buildings on either side. It has a rubble stone façade with ashlar dressings in a classical style favoured by late nineteenth century nonconformist chapels; three bays, the centre taller and slightly advanced, with a pediment; a pair of arched entrances approached by steps at ground floor; tripartite window above with pediment over centre lights.

The chapel preaching box, like most of its kind, adapts easily to musical performance, notably but not exclusively choral music; not ideal for drama but occasionally so used. It is a rectangular room with stepped wood-fronted galleries on three sides; a platform stage with a simple classical background on the end wall; little other ornament.