Welsh Valleys receive tourism cash injection

A former Welsh mining area is to receive more than £12 million to help boost tourism to the region.

The funding for the Heads of the Valleys area of south east Wales aims to create up to 300 new jobs, attract nearly 250,000 visitors and help develop an industry worth more than £120 million.

Leighton Andrews, deputy minister for regeneration who chairs the Heads of the Valleys board, said a further £5 million funding had been approved for strategic tourism projects submitted by five local authorities in the region.

Core funding from the Welsh Assembly Government will act as a catalyst, helping provide in an additional £7 million of investment, bringing the total value of the tourism developments to more than £12million.

The projects are designed to maximise the appeal of the Heads of the Valleys and develop tourist attractions which will help establish the region as a key day visitor destination and a short break and activities location.

Tourism projects range from the extension of the historic Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway, to the creation of a contemporary garden based on the theme of the environment and climate change.

Welsh Assembly Government tourism minister Rhodri Glyn Thomas said: “The industrial heritage of South-East Wales could play an important role in the growth of cultural tourism in Wales.

“Sound interpretation of the relics of the industrial epoch and a support infrastructure of quality are two of the important strands that will help South-East Wales become the tourism destination that it aspires and deserves to be.”

Andrews said: “Tourism is already an important industry for the region bringing in 2.6 million visitors a year while unique attractions like Blaenavon World Heritage Site have the potential to become a major attraction of international significance.

“This funding package will provide a catalyst for the wide development of tourism in the region and create a momentum for economic development and entrepreneurship which will be a sound basis for future investment.”

He added that the plan was to promote the region’s industrial, cultural and social heritage which, alongside outdoor activities including extreme sports, was the key to unlocking the tourism potential of the Heads of the Valleys.

The investment projects include:

BLAENAU GWENT

A £5.4 million initiative to restore and upgrade the iconic Grade II listed Bedwellty House and Park in Tredegar, a former Ironmaster’s residence (which will be subject to public consultation). Work will include restoring and extending the Orchid House, upgrading the stables block, the Miners Room and Assembly Rooms to create a significant tourism attraction. The extended facilities will provide conference and function facilities targeting the events, business and corporate markets working in partnership with local hotels. Historic features in the 28-acre park, including an ice house and band stand, will also be restored.

CAERPHILLY

A £3.68 million package to create a contemporary garden based on the theme of the environment and climate change anticipated to attract up to 90,000 visitors on the site of the former Markham Colliery. It will link with 19th and 20th century gardens in Bedwellty Park at the northern end of the Sirhowy Valley and Maes Manor Hotel to the south. The investment includes a heritage trail in Butetown.

MERTHYR TYDFIL

A £1 million project to establish Cyfarthfa Park as an activities and events venue, improve the amenities in the park and upgrade and extend facilities and outdoor activities on offer in the Taf Bargoed area

RHONDDA CYNON TAF

A £1 million project at the 500 acre Dare Valley Country Park to upgrade and remodel the visitor centre to include a glass atrium to take advantage of the panoramic views. Environmental features to include solar voltaic panels, rain collection facilities and a biofuel boiler. The project will also expand the capacity of a caravan and camping site and upgrade facilities.

TORFAEN

A £1 millon project will include the extension of the Pontypool and Blaenavon Railway southwards to Blaenavon High Level, to link key attractions. This is expected to double visitor numbers to the town in three years. The project will unify the various features of the town, including the Ironworks, Big Pit, the developing visitor centre and the town of Blaenavon itself.

 
by Phil Davies