Work to re-lay footpaths leading to the Ynysangharad War Memorial Park bandstand starts this week as part of the wider National Lottery Heritage Fund project at the park.
The project, which aims to rejuvenate the Grade II Listed park’s heritage features in Pontypridd, has been underway throughout 2022. The project is possible thanks to a £1.9m investment via the National Lottery Heritage Fund and contributions from the Council and Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns initiative.
The project includes the refurbishment of the bandstand and sunken garden, a new training/activity centre, interpretation panels and new events to promote local heritage. Council contractor GKR Maintenance & Building Co. has been working across the park throughout the year. A summary of the progress made is at the bottom of this update,
In the week commencing Monday, October 24, the contractor will begin to lift and re-lay the stone paths that lead up to the bandstand. Visitors to the park are advised that sections of these paths will be fenced off, one at a time, as the project progresses – to ensure that safe progress can be made.
Please note that construction work on the bandstand started in the summer. The structure remains cordoned off as its refurbishment continues.
Councillor Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, said: “Ynysangharad War Memorial Park is such a fantastic attraction in the heart of Pontypridd, much-loved by residents as well as visitors from afar. This ongoing £1.9m investment aims to further highlight the park’s wonderful heritage features and Listed status, while providing opportunities for community learning and engagement.
“The National Lottery Heritage Funding follows a separate £1.199m investment from the Valleys Regional Park last year which renewed footpaths, upgraded the LED lighting and introduced a changing place facility at the National Lido of Wales, Lido Ponty. In total, more than £3m funding will have been spent to improve the park across the two separate investments, reflecting its importance as a beautiful green, open space and a regional attraction.
“Work will begin this week to improve the footpaths around the bandstand, which is undergoing refurbishment. Contractors will need to cordon off sections of the paths while they carry out the footway improvements to ensure the safety of the public and the workforce. I want to thank all park visitors for their cooperation while we progress this key National Lottery Heritage Fund project.”
An update on all projects within the £1.9m investment is included below:
Refurbishment of bandstand area and sunken garden
- Construction work began on July 4, 2022, and continues to be progressed. Once the work is completed, a community event will be organised to celebrate the grand reopening in a music-filled day.
- The sunken garden project will begin soon – the Council will communicate with residents once a start date is confirmed.
New training/activity centre
- The construction of Calon Taf will be complete in early 2023.
Interpretation panels
- The new interpretation panels are currently in the final stages of design.
Events and activities that promote heritage
- Calon Taf has provided gigs and family fun days at the bandstand, yoga activities and guided history walks. Craft workshops have also taken place in the bowls pavilion and wildzone area.
If you would like to keep up-to-date on future Calon Taf activities at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park, please email CalonTaf@rctcbc.gov.uk.
Posted on 26/10/2022