Key Points
- An entirely new music space has been opened in Cardiff, allowing musicians to have a designated space to practice, perform and create.
- The space is located in the old S4C studios at Parc Ty Glas in Llanishen, South Wales.
- The scheme has been developed in partnership with One Louder Studios and Mannau Cerddoriaeth Caerdydd.
- The site contains up to 11 spaces for professional rehearsal and creative activities that are provided with facilities for band rehearsals, DJing and “Listenback” recording.
- The scheme is running as a six month trial period which can be prolonged according to the needs of the community and the effects produced by the scheme.
- Cardiff Council has backed the scheme using its Growth Fund as a part of the Cardiff Music City scheme.
Cardiff (Cardiff Daily) October 9, 2026 — A new creative music hub featuring 11 professional rehearsal spaces has officially opened its doors in South Wales, providing local artists with a dedicated facility to rehearse, write, and collaborate. Located at the former S4C studios at Parc Ty Glas in the Llanishen area of Cardiff, the launch represents a strategic partnership between One Louder Studios and Mannau Cerddoriaeth Caerdydd aimed at bolstering the region’s grassroots music infrastructure and offering high-quality resources to performing artists across South Wales.
What is the background of the new Cardiff music hub at Parc Ty Glas?
The establishment of the new creative facility stems from a collaborative initiative between One Louder Studios and Mannau Cerddoriaeth Caerdydd. As reported by Jo Barnes, community content editor of the South Wales Argus, the project occupies the former S4C studios site located at Parc Ty Glas in Llanishen.
Speaking about the strategic goals behind the opening, Alana Ellmes, director at One Louder Studios, stated as reported by Jo Barnes of the South Wales Argus:
“Cardiff has always been one of the best places to experience live music, with a wealth of venues, young musicians, talent and creativity. We want to be part of the infrastructure that makes it one of the best places to create music as well.”
Bringing 17 years of operational experience from an established site in Newport, One Louder Studios has outfitted each of the rooms with professional band rehearsal setups, DJ decks, and advanced “Listenback” recording technology. The venture is currently structured to operate as a six-month pilot scheme, with provisions to extend the project timeline based on community response, operational demand, and overall impact on the local music scene.
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How does the facility support the Cardiff music community?
The hub provides up to 11 dedicated professional rehearsal and creative spaces tailored specifically to foster the artistic development of local musicians through collaboration and skill-building opportunities. Stakeholders behind the project emphasize that affordable, high-standard access is vital for long-term sustainability within the region.
Philip Smith, director at Mannau Cerddoriaeth Caerdydd, noted as reported by Jo Barnes of the South Wales Argus:
“Access to high-quality, affordable and professional music spaces is essential to the strength and sustainability of Cardiff’s music community.”
Musicians operating within the Cardiff and Newport areas have already voiced positive reactions to the opening of the facility. Matt Fry, a member of the band Lacertilia, stated as reported by Jo Barnes of the South Wales Argus:
“We are so happy that One Louder has opened up a much needed rehearsal space in Cardiff.”
What role does Cardiff Council play in the new music hub project?
The local government has thrown its weight behind the initiative, providing financial and strategic backing through its Growth Fund as part of the broader Cardiff Music City strategy. Local authorities view the development as a critical component in maintaining a thriving and robust creative ecosystem within the Welsh capital.
Highlighting the municipal administration’s perspective, Councillor Jennifer Burke, cabinet member for culture, tourism and events, stated as reported by Jo Barnes of the South Wales Argus:
“The Council’s support for One Louder Studios new recording and rehearsal facility at Parc Ty Glas is further evidence of our commitment to ensuring the health of the Cardiff’s music ecosystem.”
Background of the Particular Development
The opening of the 11-space rehearsal hub at Parc Ty Glas addresses a long-standing demand among grassroots musicians in South Wales for accessible, professional-grade production environments. Over recent years, artists and local promoters have frequently highlighted the loss or scarcity of dedicated physical spaces equipped for modern audio engineering, band practice, and collaborative songwriting. By establishing a formalized partnership between experienced operators like One Louder Studios and community-focused organizations such as Mannau Cerddoriaeth Caerdydd—alongside targeted municipal investment via Cardiff Council’s Growth Fund—the project represents a coordinated attempt by both civic leaders and industry stakeholders to protect and expand the foundational infrastructure necessary for the region’s cultural economy to thrive.
This development can significantly impact local musicians, independent bands, and emerging creative professionals across South Wales by lowering the financial and logistical barriers associated with professional audio production and regular band rehearsals. With equipped rooms featuring specialized recording technology and DJ setups available locally in Llanishen, regional artists gain a stable environment to refine their craft, collaborate across genres, and produce higher-quality material without needing to travel outside the area or rely on substandard makeshift spaces. If the six-month pilot proves successful and secures an extension, it could serve as a sustainable blueprint for future creative infrastructure investments throughout Cardiff, ultimately strengthening the city’s standing as a vibrant, resilient hub for live and recorded music.
