Victoria Gardens
Victoria Gardens in the heart of Neath town centre is to be restored to its original glory at a cost of more than £2 million.
Long-cherished plans to rejuvenate the park are finally going ahead after Neath Port Talbot Council was awarded a £1.4 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.
Built in 1897, the Grade II listed garden still has many of its original features including the bandstand. The project will restore the bandstand to its original condition and replace the boundary walls with cast iron railings and gates more in-keeping with the park's Victorian heritage.
Also, more good news is that Swansea Council has been successful in the first stage of a Heritage Lottery Fund application to upgrade Cwmdonkin Park.
The project will receive a £19,400 development grant from the HLF to develop more detailed plans for the park that will be submitted as part of the second stage of the application process.
The Council has up to two years to submit these plans and apply for £715,600 of further HLF support.
Some of the upgrade ideas include the replacing and upgrading of fencing and footpaths, the introduction of new seating, the restoration of outstanding views towards Mumbles and the re-introduction of the some of the original plant species.
It's hoped the park will be restored in time to mark the centenary of Dylan's birth in 2014.
South Wales Evening Post - 22 December 2009
City and County of Swansea - 22 December 2009
