Rhondda Cynon Taf Council has secured funding from the National Lottery (through the Heritage Lottery Fund) to develop its exciting proposals for a £1.5m horticulture and heritage project at Pontypridd’s Ynysangharad War Memorial Park.
This initial funding, made possible by National Lottery players, will allow the Council to further develop plans for the park that will see the restoration of historic features and the creation of a new horticultural training centre for staff, apprentices and the wider community. It will also enable the development of a volunteer programme and a Friends of Ynysangharad War Memorial Park group.
Once this initial planning stage is complete, the Council will bid for further National Lottery funding to deliver its ambitious £1.5m plans for the park. Plans include the opening of a Horticultural Training Centre and the transformation of a parks depot and 1920s toilet block into a useful space offering classes and courses for the community. The Council also wishes to restore historical features in the park, including the sunken garden and iconic bandstand and mock rock outcrop.
Cllr Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, said:
“Ynysangharad War Memorial Park is already a jewel in the crown of Rhondda Cynon Taf, 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. Itis 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.”
Ynysangharad War Memorial Park is a 13 hectare designed public park located in the centre of Pontypridd. Opened in 1923 and laid out in Edwardian style, the park is Grade II registered, and sits within the Town Centre Conservation Area. It contains a recently refurbished Grade II listed Lido, numerous sports pitches, a play area, key heritage features and memorials as well as a range of tree and plant species.
