TWO of Wales’ most popular heritage attractions will today receive a lottery grant of £2.2m in a move which it is hoped will preserve them for future generations.
Jul 21 2010 by Peter Law, Western Mail
The funding boost will allow the completion of works aimed at safeguarding Oystermouth Castle in the Mumbles and conserve the landscape at Blaenavon’s World Heritage Site.
It is hoped that today’s Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) injection will help further boost the number of international visitors to Wales.
HLF Wales spokesperson Jennifer Stewart said: “Wales is home to a wealth of heritage attractions which visitors flock to from across the world each year. From castles and museums to landscapes and wildlife, our heritage is what makes Wales unique.
“Heritage-based tourism has never been more important to Wales’ economy and as such we continue to invest in its development for the benefit of the people in Wales.
“Fundamental to the success of heritage attractions is the experience it offers the visitor. We’ve supported these two projects as they are focused on making the heritage relevant for tourists and communities alike to enjoy through improved access and better interpretation.”
Four local contractors have been commissioned to carry out the work and apprentice schemes will be offered to help create a “heritage-skilled” workforce in Wales.
Swansea Council received £764,000 to conserve and enhance Oystermouth Castle, a Grade I-listed Ancient Scheduled Monument.
Founded by William de Londres in the early 12th century, the castle’s origins are in the Norman conquest of Wales and it has visible remains dating back 900 years.
However, the castle has fallen into disrepair, with about 50% closed off to visitors. A 2003 report by Cadw declared it as the castle in the worst condition of those that were open to the public in Wales.
It warned that restoration work was critical in order to avoid its inevitable closure.
With the support of HLF, the historic building will soon feature a new indoor interpretation centre, housed within the disused chapel block, that will provide a hands-on experience for visitors.
The aim is to give tourists access to 95% of the castle and increase visitor numbers from 4,500 per year to 20,000.
The project will also fund the employment of a castle community coordinator to help build on the enthusiasm and knowledge of volunteers from Friends of Oystermouth Castle.
Project manager Paul Bowen, from contractors WRW, said: “It’s fantastic to be working on such a major project in the local area, it’s great for business and, on a personal level, I’m really keen to help secure this significant landmark for the future.
“This scheme, which is part conservation and part new build, requires a variety of traditional skills. Currently there is a real shortage of these skills, such as stonemasonry, so this will provide an opportunity to train a local apprentice with the skills they need to secure a job in the future.”
Graham Thomas, Swansea Council’s cabinet member for tourism, added: “Oystermouth Castle is one of our historical gems and this scheme means the attraction will be conserved for future generations and will offer a visitor experience that’s befitting of the 21st century.”
Meanwhile, the Forgotten Landscapes Partnership will use its £1,474,000 grant to conserve the red grouse and heather moorland surrounding the landscape around Blaenavon.
The site contains a wealth of built and industrial heritage, boasting 17 Scheduled Ancient Monuments and 109 listed buildings. However many of the features of interest are currently hidden.
Work has started on the restoration of archaeological features such as the Pwll Du Tramway tunnel, which was used to transport coal, limestone and pig iron between valleys.
Brian Barnard, from Abergavenny-based contractors Alun Griffiths Ltd, said: “It’s great to be working on a project which is going to benefit the local community for years to come.
“Visitors will no longer just walk past parts of history unaware of what they are missing, as the little monuments, as I like to call them, that are dotted around the countryside will be back in perfect condition and interpreted for them.”
Heritage Minister Alun Ffred Jones said: “I welcome this funding and the benefits it will bring to these two heritage sites. Both projects will generate employment opportunities for the local community and attract further investment to boost their region’s well-established tourism industry.”
