It’s a day of celebration in Neath this Friday (8th July) when a new chapter begins in the history of the much loved Victoria Gardens.
After £1.4million of restoration work, the Gardens, listed by Cadw, will be officially opened by the Leader of Neath Port Talbot Council, Ali Thomas.
It was originally opened for Queen Victoria’s Diamond Jubilee on 22nd June 1897 and reopened as Victoria Gardens on 30th June 1898.
An afternoon of music is being planned around the Bandstand with many primary schoolchildren joining in the afternoon’s entertainment.
Lining up to join in the celebrations is the Briton Ferry Silver Band, Choirs from Gnoll Primary and Alderman Davies as well as Neath Polyphonic Choir and the Waterwheel Singers.
A town crier will be out and about in the town centre proclaiming the afternoon’s entertainment so that everyone can come along and enjoy the music.
Thanks to funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund and Cadw, Neath Port Talbot Council was able to commission Gee Construction to carry out the restoration.
Much work has been done in the Park which is not visible. A new internal drainage system has been installed as well as an automatic irrigation system for the main flower beds.
The 19th century Bandstand has returned to its former glory. It has been completely restored in cast iron, in keeping with the Park’s Victorian heritage.
One of the Park’s most important original features has been reinstated. As part of the war effort, the iron railings bordering the Park were removed in the 1940’s.
Now, seventy years later, they can be seen once again taking pride of place conserving the Park.
Other works carried out include a new visitor centre, resurfacing paths and landscaping as well as refurbished toilets and a disabled changing facility for adults.
A facility for Park staff has been built which can also be used as a community meeting room or a classroom for education and training to promote the heritage, history and biodiversity of the gardens.
Council Leader, Ali Thomas, said, “This is another landmark milestone in the history of Victoria Gardens and I am delighted to see the Park reopen.
“I am grateful to the Heritage Lottery Fund and Cadw for providing the funding.
“Victoria Gardens is Neath’s Jewel in the Crown. Sitting in the heart of the town centre, it is much loved by residents. It is a park for the people and once again they can sit and enjoy its beauty and history.
“It is an attractive venue that paves the way for community events in the future and preserved for generations to come.
“This is just one part of the Council’s regeneration plans for Neath town centre.”
Dan Clayton-Jones, Chair of the Heritage Lottery Fund, which awarded £1.38m to the project, said: “It’s fantastic to see the Park and its historic features restored to their former glory.
“We are absolutely committed to supporting historic parks and have invested well over £25 million in parks across Wales. Local parks are a vital resource for surrounding communities and can often be people’s only available green space for recreation and leisure.
“Victoria Gardens offers a peaceful retreat within the town and now local people and visitors can enjoy this popular park for years to come.”
