Hirwaun-based Walters Group, and its green energy subsidiary Pennant Walters, have played a pivotal role in providing funding to allow Glynneath Town Council to press ahead with plans to transform Glynneath Miners Welfare Park into a destination park.
The project is a major development that future proofs the facilities and space, and will build on the potential of the existing facilities, whilst adding new ones, positively impacting the area which will serve the community and the wider Neath Valley for years to come.
Both long-term contributors to the Neath Valley, Walters Group and Pennant Walters threw their weight behind the project. Together with a fund associated with Selar Opencast, they provided half of the costs of the development to the tune of £401,000. Other funders include NPTCBC Community Minor Projects Grant, Selar, and Pen y Cymoedd. £6,000 was provided by the Selar Opencast fund, part of the "family" ownership but not a group subsidiary
Glynneath Town Council have worked hard to engage, test plans, and tender to ensure optimum outputs for the local community. The project, which will start next month and is hoped to be completed in early summer, will create a transformative play area for all children – from toddlers, through to teens – refurbish three of the existing tennis courts, and convert the fourth into a Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). It will also convert the former bowling green into an exciting new play and learning space for children from pre-school age, up to age 11.
Walters Group Director Huw Richards said:
“We have a long history of supporting the community of Glynneath and our Maesgwyn Wind Farm fund has provided over £1.1 million to local projects since 2010.
“We are delighted to continue our long involvement with the community and are thrilled that Glynneath Miners Welfare Park will now be transformed into a destination park, building on the potential of existing facilities, and adding new ones which will serve the community and the wider Neath Valley well for many years to come.”
The incredible funding the team has secured demonstrates how hard they have worked and how many people see the potential for the project.
Cllr Simon Knoyle, Glynneath Town Council Project Lead and County Councillor for Glynneath, said:
“When first elected in 2017, the transformation of the Miners Welfare Park was a priority for me, a central hub of the community that badly required attention.
“Extensive community engagement and consultation have taken place which has resulted in us submitting very detailed and concise applications to all of our funding partners, all of whom we are very grateful to for their full support. This has not happened overnight; a lot of hard work has taken place, and I am extremely proud to lead on this project with the support and assistance of the Town Clerk and Grants Advisory Team at NPTCBC.
“The transformation project has received full support from all Town Councillors and this first phase, totalling over £800K, is part of a wider Project Brief which will develop other aspects of the Park in the next few years and will make a difference to the residents of Glynneath, leaving a legacy for future generations to enjoy.”
Glynneath Town Council stated:
“From its conception in 2017, this project has been ambitious, transformative, and a much loved and needed opportunity for Glynneath Town Council and the whole community of Glynneath. We are delighted it has been awarded full funding from all partners in this process. We are all extremely proud of this project and what we hope it will achieve for the community of Glynneath. Phase One: Play is the first of our planned transformation and it is long overdue. We've been privileged to work with and be supported by the young people of Glynneath in particular, our officers and colleagues throughout NPTCBC, and all of our funders. Glynneath deserves this and we are dedicated to making sure it happens."
