A sculpture heritage trail and other improvements are on the way to Bryngarw Country Park after additional Welsh Government funding was accepted by Bridgend County Borough Council’s Cabinet at its meeting on Tuesday 19 January.
In 2019, a £500,000 Valleys Regional Park Discovery Sites Capital Grant was awarded by Welsh Government develop a new education centre, re-develop the visitor centre, establish facilities to promote active travel, plant trees and create a wildlife pond.
Now, an additional £147,000 grant has been secured by Awen Cultural Trust, the registered charity which operates the park on behalf of the council.
Councillor Richard Young, Cabinet Member for Communities, said: “Awen plans to use this new funding to enhance facilities at Bryngarw Country Park by creating a sculpture heritage trail, extending the renewal of boardwalks through the park, improving toilet facilities, making improvements to the car park, and installing solar panels on buildings, which fits in with our energy strategy.
“Work is progressing well on the first phase of plans and I’m pleased we’ve secured this additional investment.”
Bryngarw Country Park is one of the Valleys Regional Park’s Discovery Gateways, which help to connect residents and visitors with the natural and cultural heritage of the South Wales Valleys.
The Cabinet accepted the additional funding and will now amend its agreement with Awen Cultural Trust accordingly.
Speaking after the meeting, Awen Cultural Trust’s chief executive Richard Hughes said: “We are delighted to receive this additional funding from the Valleys Regional Park initiative, which will allow us to make further enhancements to Bryngarw Park, benefiting over 220,000 visitors each year, and cementing our reputation as a regional centre for outdoor recreation, education and wellbeing.
“The timing of this funding is a real boost for us all but in particular the local community who have continued to support Bryngarw Country Park during the last 12 months.”
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