A grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, will restore original features at Neath‘s Victoria Gardens.
Repairs will be carried out to the Park’s much loved statues and new planting will make the Gardens look even more spectacular.
A new employee welfare facility will be constructed to incorporate a community meeting room with kitchen and toilet facilities which will also serve as a classroom.
The existing disabled toilet will be adapted to include changing facilities for disabled people.
It is also hoped to set up a Friends of Victoria Gardens Group.
Council Leader, Ali Thomas has welcomed the news. He said, “Victoria Gardens is a source of pride and is the focal point of the community.
“The restoration will mean that the gardens can continue to be enjoyed by families for years to come.
“Thanks to the grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, we can now progress our plans not only to restore its heritage, but to bring back the glory and charm on Neath‘s most important landmark.”
Work is expected to start early February with completion next Autumn.
Dan Clayton-Jones, Chairman of the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Committee for Wales, says: ‘We know that a well-kept and thriving local park makes a really big difference to people’s lives. Victoria Gardens are known as the jewel in the crown of Neath town centre and the local community really value the peaceful retreat they offer.
“Now with the support of HLF its valuable heritage features will be restored to their former glory for everyone to enjoy.”
