A full-scale exhibition highlighting the restoration proposals for Pontypridd’s much-loved Ynysangharad War Memorial Park has gone on show to the public.

The exhibition which was shown on Market Street, Pontypridd and in the Park itself included extensive proposals of how the park could be restored depending on external funding bids. The plans have been developed with the assistance of a £50,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund.

The funding, from the Heritage Lottery Fund Parks for People programme has been used by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council to complete the required planning works that have helped identify and develop proposals for the restoration of the historic park. The planning works include a comprehensive Conservation Management Plan and plans to increase training, volunteering and access opportunities.

Extensive work with Soltys Brewster Consulting and architects Powell Dobson was unveiled to local council members and various Pontypridd-based organisatons before the full consultation process began with members of the public.

The presentation outlined the major historic merit of restoring many of the Park’s original features in response to public demand over many years. These included proposals for the bandstand and sunken gardens, along with major regeneration plans for the Grade II listed lido which is central to the scheme.

It included sketch scheme proposals for the design of new riverside gardens, a new and extended play area, improved landscaping and a civic square, along with improved links to the town centre with an additional footbridge over the River Taff.

Central to the plans is the decision to restore the proverbial “jewel in the crown” of the park in the 80-year-old lido. They outline an exciting proposal to incorporate a children’s pool into the existing lido area with a redesign of the current floorplan that will also involve restoring the external features of the lido buildings to its original 1920s design.

This will help to ensure a safer contained environment within the one area for families to enjoy the water features under the supervision of lifeguards and staff. It also responds to the need to alter certain features in an effort to ensure public safety reaches the present-day standards and not that of several generations ago when it was first opened.

The current children’s paddling pool will also enjoy ambitious development plans by creating a new free water-based facility of jet sprays and fountains for younger children to enjoy safely.

A new restaurant area has also been outlined in the proposals to complement the current shop on the site with extended decking spaces for families to relax and enjoy the many facilities on offer.

Finally plans were outlined for a state-of-the-art horticultural centre in the park to attract better community use for those who want to learn more about the subject and how they can contribute to the beauty of the gardens on a regular bass.

Leader of Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council Cllr Russell Roberts said: "Ynysangharad War Memorial Park and its historic lido are unique elements not only to Wales but the whole of the UK.

“Our plans are ambitious, and if further support can be provided by the Heritage Lottery Fund we firmly believe we can make our vision a reality, but additional external funding will be key in making this happen.

“This over-reaching project will be hugely beneficial not just to Pontypridd as a town but also the whole of Rhondda Cynon Taf and beyond.”

The town of Pontypridd and its surrounding valley communities value the park's heritage in many ways and it has been an important public facility for recreation, culture, and education for more than eight decades, attracting 800,000 visits annually.

The Pontypridd Regeneration Strategy recognises the Park as one of Pontypridd's most significant assets, and identifies its restoration as one of the key projects to transform the town centre.

Along with its continued regeneration work in the town centre which includes a traffic management scheme in operation along Taff Street, the opening of St Catherine’s Corner car park and the introduction of public art work, the proposals for the Park are further proof of the local authority’s commitment to the regeneration of Pontypridd.