WELSH Water has begun work on the highly anticipated redevelopment of its Llys-y-Frân visitor attraction and recreation park.
The work by the not-for-profit water company will create an exciting recreational park and activity centre that will help support the local tourism industry. The redeveloped site is intended to attract an estimated 40,000 additional tourists, outdoor enthusiasts and local residents each year.
£1.7 million of EU funds has been secured through the Welsh Government’s Tourism Attractor Destination programme, led by Visit Wales, which aims to create 11 must see destinations across Wales.
The EU funding will enable the development of a year-round offering both for recreation and education, and will have a positive economic, social and environmental impact whilst also improving the health and well-being of both local residents and visitors.
The redevelopment at Llys-y-Frân will include a refurbishment and expansion of the visitor centre and full refurbishment of the café.
The new Outdoor Activity Centre and Waterside Cabin will be built to support walkers, cycling and water sports enthusiasts and will include a food stop, meeting rooms, changing facilities and cycle hire.
To build on Llys-y-Frân’s cycling product, a Pump Skills area will be constructed to provide a natural entry to the 10 km cycle trail around the reservoir which will be developed to maximise the offering to cyclists of all abilities.
Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism, Lord Elis-Thomas, who visited the site last year, said: “Llys y Frân has so much potential and I’m delighted that we can support Dŵr Cymru with funding to take this vision forward for what will become an iconic water based and outdoor hub for the area. The development will benefit the local community, as well as draw more visitors to Pembrokeshire.
“Our aim through the Tourism Attractor Destination programme is to focus efforts and investment on key projects in each region so we have a real impact on Wales’ profile in this globally competitive market. The development will also give many opportunities for local residents and visitors to become more active in Wales’ natural environment.”
Peter Perry, Dŵr Cymru’s Managing Director, said, “Our plans for Llys-y-Frân represent an opportunity to create a world class, vibrant visitor attraction that will complement other attractions in Pembrokeshire and bring benefits to the local, rural tourism economy. The development represents a further investment in Wales to enable our customers and communities to enjoy fantastic countryside, recreational and education facilities.’
“We are of course grateful for the support from Welsh Government and EU funding which is enabling us to deliver this exciting project for the area.”
Whilst access to the site will be maintained to pedestrian visitors where possible, there will be some parts of the park and reservoir inaccessible for health and safety purposes. The site will be completely closed to vehicles during the redevelopment and no parking at the site will be permitted.
Customers can find out more information about the project by contacting Welsh Water’s Customer Services on: 0800 085 3968 or emailing [email protected]
