The historic Melingriffith Water Pump in Whitchurch is set to be restored to former glories.
Following a long period of decline, Cardiff Council and Cadw have agreed to jointly fund the restoration which will see the pump and water wheel near Ty Mawr Road brought back to life.
The 200 year old pump stands as a reminder of the former Glamorganshire Canal and Melingriffith Tin Plate Works, one of the earliest and most important works of its kind.
For 135 years it was this pump that ensured there was a continuous water supply principally for the canal. But when the canal closed in 1942 it was no longer needed and the pump became redundant and has remained idle ever since.
Keen not to lose this beautifully designed artefact to the elements, Oxford House (RISCA) Industrial Archaeology Society and the Inland Waterways Association faithfully restored the pump between 1974 and 1989. Today it remains a striking and constant reminder of the area’s industrial past, but is once again in need of attention.
Cardiff Council and Cadw are jointly funding the repair of this nationally protected scheduled ancient monument to its former glory, with the work due to be completed this summer.
Supported by the community group ‘Friends of Melingriffith Water Pump’, the restoration project will start this month with the dismantling of the pump. Much of the work is to take place in workshops throughout the rest of winter and spring, including refurbishment of the timber and treatment of the metalwork. After this the refurbished pump will be returned and reassembled in its current location.
In taking down the pump, a qualified bat ecologist will be on site to check that the pipistrelle bats that made the pump a summer residence have all moved onto their winter lodgings. The presence of these tiny creatures, which are protected by European Law, has resulted in the pump’s restoration being delayed but recent surveys have shown that the bats have moved on to their winter roosts where they will hibernate until mid spring. In the meanwhile new bat roosts are to be provided close to the pump so that the bats can come back.
Councillor Nigel Howells, Executive member for Sport Leisure & Culture, said: “This pump is not only a landmark for the area but an important symbol and reminder of this region’s industrial past. I am delighted that we are able to provide this opportunity to restore the pump. It is hoped the pump can be restored to working condition and I am greatly looking forward to the official unveiling later this year.”
Welsh Assembly Government Minister for Heritage, Alun Ffred Jones, said ‘I am delighted that the Assembly Government, through our historic environment service Cadw, is able to support this restoration. Our industrial legacy is a key component of the rich and diverse heritage of Wales and it is vitally important that it should be protected, preserved and promoted for the benefit of present and future generations. I am pleased that this collaboration with the City and Council of Cardiff will be giving people the opportunity to see the Pump as it was and to provide information about its purpose and role in the tin plate works and the area as a whole.’
Stephanie Wilkins, Chairperson of Friends of Melingriffith Water Pump said: “As a local volunteer group we are excited that this restoration project is underway. Working together with Cardiff Council and Cadw will enhance the awareness of this important historical site in the heart of North Cardiff. The structure and site is of importance to local people and those with special engineering and historical interests. As a group we will be working hard to make this project an ongoing success and urge people to get involved in safeguarding this unique structure for future generations.”
For more information visit www.friendsofmelingriffithwaterpump.weebly.com
