Funds boost for plan to transform town’s park
A PLAN to transform one of South Wales’ most popular parks has received a £200,000 boost.
The move is part of a £1.6m proposal that could eventually see Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd town centre become a horticulture and heritage centre – with a toilet block being made over into a classroom.
Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) Council has secured just over £200,000 for the scheme through the National Lottery’s Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).
The total funding will go towards the creation of a new horticultural training centre for staff, apprentices and the wider community. Plans also include the transformation of a parks depot and 1920s toilet block into a space offering classes and courses for the community.
The funding will also help with the restoration of historic features such as the sunken garden, bandstand and mock rock outcrop, as well as the development of a volunteer programme and a Friends of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park group.
The council will apply for more funding once the initial planning stage has been completed.
Ynysangharad War Memorial Park has initially been granted “round one” development funding of £208,000 towards the £274,000 costs by the HLF, allowing it to progress with its plans.
Detailed proposals are then considered by HLF in the second round, where a final decision is made on the full funding award of £1.4m towards the total estimated project cost of £1.6m.
The park is already home to the hugely popular National Lido of Wales.
Ann Crimmings, RCT Council’s cabinet member for environment and leisure, said: “Ynysangharad War Memorial Park is already a jewel in the crown of RCT, attracting nearly 700,000 visitors a year, and we are excited to be able to develop plans to build on the valuable opportunities it provides.
“The opening of Lido Ponty, National Lido of Wales and Lido Play – also funded by National Lottery players – has already massively increased the number of people enjoying the park, which the council is proud to manage in trust on behalf of the community.
“The park has key historical and cultural features, as well as sporting facilities, free family events and many other ways for people to enjoy spending time outdoors and being active, which is vital to physical and mental health and wellbeing.
“It is also a key tourist destination with economic importance, as visitors to the park also spend their time and money in the various town-centre shops, cafes and restaurants.
“We want to build on and expand this appeal, while also creating a training facility that will certainly be a first in the area in terms of the training and development opportunities it presents our staff, apprentices and the wider community.
“The creation of volunteer programmes and a Friends of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park will also allow us to extend the offer and potential of the park to even more people.”