Pontypridd Park bandstand works continue to next stage

Refurbishment of the bandstand at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park will now focus on the surrounding fenced area for audiences. The bandstand area will be brought out of use on a temporary basis to ensure safe progress.

Ongoing work to the bandstand is a key part of a wider project to rejuvenate the Grade II Listed park’s heritage features, made possible thanks to a £1.9m investment via the National Lottery Heritage Fund and contributions from the Council and Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns initiative.

Contractor GKR Maintenance & Building Co. is progressing the project, which also includes the refurbishment of the sunken garden, a new training and activity centre, interpretation panels and new events to promote local heritage.

From the week commencing Monday, November 28, work to the bandstand will begin to focus on the audience area. It will include resurfacing and re-profiling of levels on a single route to allow for an accessible pathway into the bandstand.

Reinstatement of the circular pathway through the middle of the grass area will provide easier access to the benches. Various other works will take place, including repairs to the low retaining walls and the rejuvenation of the rockery around the base of the bandstand with new planting.

This work is scheduled for completion during early spring 2023 – and the entire bandstand area will be brought out of use on a temporary basis, to ensure the work can be completed safely, and as quickly as possible.

Councillor Ann Crimmings, Rhondda Cynon Taf Council’s Cabinet Member for Environment and Leisure, said: “The ongoing heritage project at Ynysangharad War Memorial Park is the second phase of improvements at the much-loved park, following the £1.199m investment made by the Valleys Regional Park last year. That separate project upgraded footpaths and lighting throughout the park, and introduced a changing place facility at Lido Ponty.

“The current £1.9m project has benefitted from a significant National Lottery Heritage Fund contribution, and a key element of the work is to refurbish the park’s historic bandstand. As the next phase of work focuses on improving the audience area, the entire bandstand will need to be brought out of use to the public as a necessary measure to ensure the work can be completed safely.

“I would like to thank all visitors to the park for their understanding at this time as we work towards enhancing the bandstand and recognising its position as a key heritage landmark in the park. Once the work is complete, the Council will organise a grand re-opening, with a music-filled day and a celebration of the park as a beautiful green space in the heart of Pontypridd.”