RCT Council has now completed all work to deliver streetlighting and footway improvements throughout Ynysangharad War Memorial Park in Pontypridd, using significant Valleys Regional Park funding.
Works have progressed throughout 2021 to deliver the £1.199m investment in the much-loved Pontypridd park – using £1.185m from Welsh Government via the Valleys Regional Park, and a £14,000 contribution from the Council.
The funding package has enabled the Council to deliver a full refurbishment of all the main footways across the park, as well as the smaller paths. It has also enabled installation of upgraded LED streetlighting via new lighting columns, in order to provide a secure and comfortable environment for all park users.
In addition, a new changing place facility has been provided at the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty. This is a fully-furbished and equipped changing and toilet facility, which is dedicated for the use of people with a disability.
The Valleys Regional Park funding also includes hosting a Guardians Scheme at the park, as one of 12 regional locations for nature-based activities and inspiring opportunities to connect with nature. Groundwork Wales will deliver the scheme – welcoming all ages and demographics for activities such as creating community gardens, growing projects and well-being walks.
Councillor Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment, Leisure and Heritage Services, said: “I’m really pleased that this significant £1.199m scheme, mostly funded by the Valleys Regional Park, has now delivered refurbishments right across Ynysangharad War Memorial Park. The park is a beautiful space enjoyed by residents in Pontypridd and visitors who come from far and wide – and the streetlighting and footpath improvements have been delivered right across the park.
“We’re also very proud that the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty, is a venue which welcomes everyone in the community, and the new changing place facility which has recently been brought into use via the Valleys Regional Park funding has helped to further increase the venue’s inclusivity for all users.
“There is further ongoing investment planned for Ynysangharad War Memorial Park using significant Heritage Lottery Funding. This has been secured to focus on bringing back some of the original features of the Grade 2 Listed park – for example, restoring the bandstand and refurbishing the sunken garden. Works are expected to start within the park by October this year.
“The funding will also enable a new centre, Canolfan Calon Taf, to operate from the park. Run by the Council’s Adult Education department, this will be a community learning centre to help develop audiences and provide important opportunities for participation, learning and engagement in the community.”
