Blossoming future for Gelli Aur Country Park

Close to £1 million over the next three years has been accepted by the Golden Grove Trust to carry out the first phase of work at this historic site, which will start the journey of a ten year plan to fully restore this iconic destination in the Towy Valley.

The first phase of the work is to enable public access to the historic parkland and gardens with associated amenities such as tea rooms, play area, educational activities and trails.  This will create an outdoor attraction based on the landscape and gardens, while  plans will be developed to  restore and develop the house and courtyards into a destination for art and cultural activities.

The Golden Grove Trust was formed in 2011 with the purpose of restoring Golden Grove House, gardens and parkland and creating a visitor attraction and a centre for visual arts activity and exhibitions.

Chairman of the Golden Grove Trust, Richard Salmon, said:

“We are extremely grateful for the award of the grant which will ensure that local people and visitors will be able to enjoy the restored and improved Country Park for years to come.  Work will continue on the urgent repairs to the house and on the master plan for the next phase, the full restoration of the house and the creation of a centre for arts”

Having visited the site recently, Minister for Economy, Science and Transport, Edwina Hart, said:

“The plans for the restoration of Golden Grove and the country park have the potential to create a cultural tourism destination.  The Welsh Government’s tourism strategy highlights the importance of developing buildings of historic interest and character which can add value and distinctiveness to what Wales has to offer our visitors and give a fascinating insight to our history and heritage.

“I’m delighted that the Welsh Government has been able to support private investment in the Country Park’s future and wish the Trust every success with this first phase of development.”

Some of the examples of the projects that the grant aid will fund will include:

• Renovation and conservation of the important 19thc. gardens and arboretum, with public tours becoming available on completion of the work
• Re-opening of the Cafe
• A new children’s play ground
• A new Himalayan Garden in the north west of the Country Park
• Redesign of the car park and other facilities

The Country Park will continue to be open to the public to enjoy the nature trails on Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays and Bank Holidays, and the planned work will enable opportunities for volunteers to become involved. Opening times will increase on completion of the major restoration work. While the work is underway there will be no car parking or access charges (until further notice).