Work ‘progressing well’ on transformational Gnoll Estate Country Park project

Cllr Hunt visited the park on Monday, December 16th, 2024, for an update on the transformational scheme which will enhance facilities for regular users, bring out the historic significance of the park and attract visitors from further afield.

During his visit, accompanied by Neath Port Talbot Council Chief Executive Frances O’Brien, Deputy Leader Cllr Alun Llewelyn, fellow councillors, officials and representatives of project contractors Andrew Scott, Cllr Hunt was able to use a recently completed bridge which takes visitors from the park to Brynau Farm – a wildlife haven of 57 hectares of Woodland Trust land perfectly set on rolling hills next to Gnoll Estate Country Park.

Led by Neath Port Talbot Council and paid for by UK Government funding, the work will involve the construction of a new, fully accessible two-storey visitor centre encompassing a modern café with a south facing balcony enjoying views across the lake.

It will also have event, meeting and conference facilities and a dedicated children’s soft play space. A new woodland adventure playground designed as a ‘destination attraction’ for children and families will also be built nearby.

Cllr Hunt said after his visit: “I have been very impressed to the see the good progress being made on this extremely important, transformational project which will bring Gnoll Park up to date while retaining the historic features which make it so attractive.”

Work done so far includes:

Visitor Centre

• Demolition of the former visitor centre – complete
• Erection of the steel structure of the replacement visitor centre – under way with the steel decking now in place on the ground floor and concrete being laid on the same floor.

Cascades

• Restoration work on the historic cascades is now almost complete.

Pond Cottage

• The roof at Pond cottage – replaced.
• Work on the restoration (external render and repointing of stonework) – under way.
• Internal work (rewiring/complete refurbishment) – under way.
• Talks are ongoing with an interior designer on the fit-out which will be sympathetic in design with the park’s history and heritage,

In the New Year, repairs and restoration to the Gnoll House ruins will take place and excavation work from the visitor centre side of the lake to Pond Cottage will go ahead. Although this will cause some disruption, it will provide a much-needed upgrade.

Cllr Cen Phillips, Neath Port Talbot Council’s Cabinet Member for Nature, Tourism and Wellbeing, said: “Throughout the work, which will finish in 2025, we have ensured temporary facilities such as catering and toilets have been in place so people can still come to the park and enjoy its lovely walks and views.

“At the end of this project our residents and other visitors will enjoy an improved Gnoll Estate Country Park with better, more modern facilities giving this beautiful spot a new lease of life.”