Three Authorities MT (cy)

Tourism boost to the County Borough - 21 Mai 2009

EXCITING developments of two parks within Merthyr Tydfil are in the pipeline thanks to a cash injection into the area. It is planned that both Cyfarthfa Park and Parc Taf Bargoed will be extensively developed and refreshed using Welsh Assembly Government and Convergence money, to encourage both local people and visitors to enjoy the great outdoors in our County Borough.

As part of the government Heads of the Valleys Programme, funding was allocated to promote tourism in Merthyr Tydfil which has led to the plans being drawn up for the parks, as well as a refurbishment of the Tourist Information Centre.
The council have worked alongside a range of different contractors including Hyder Consulting and Capita Symmonds to develop the projects. The projects are currently awaiting planning permission and if they are successful, work will begin in autumn this year with a view to completion in summer 2010.

Cyfarthfa Park, which already houses Cyfarthfa Castle, Museum and Art Gallery, offers 160 acres of parkland with stunning scenery. However, it has become a little dated of late, but it is hoped it will be brought right up to date with features such as the "Family Play Zone."
If planning permission is granted, the zone will include a visitor centre and coffee parlour overlooking the children's play areas. This will enable parents to watch over their children as they play. Part of this particular project is the introduction of a modern "Splash Pad" to replace the existing paddling pool. Some improvements have already began at the park such as the sprucing up and maintenance of the historical gates and railings.

Parc Taf Bargoed, a hidden gem set in the beautiful Taff Bargoed Valley, has become an area of sporting importance in the south of the borough. The Aberfan Canoe Club use the lake to train for canoe polo and slalom, and the lake is also rapidly gaining a reputation as an excellent game fishing area. Environmental improvements are planned for the park, as well as a lakeside activity centre which will house a tourist information officer, toilets and canoe and angling materials storage units.
Similar funding is also responsible for the refurbished bunkhouse accommodation, café bar and essential repairs to the climbing wall in the Summit Centre (formally the Welsh International Climbing Centre) at the Taf Bargoed Centre.

Merthyr Tydfil Tourist Information Centre is now re-open and refurbished at 14a Glebeland Street, Merthyr Tydfil. The building has been totally transformed, and the first floor has been brought into use. The centre offers local information, as well as selling small Welsh themed gifts and National Express tickets.

Sian Williams, the Tourism Development Coordinator at Merthyr Council, said: "This is a huge boost for tourism in the Merthyr area. Our borough has so much to offer to visitors from outside, and hopefully these developments will encourage people into Merthyr as well as being brilliant attractions to be enjoyed by residents who already live here."

For further information on the developments of both parks please contact Sian Williams on 01685 725356 or e mail tourism@merthyr.gov.uk.

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