HERIAN News

South Wales' glorious industrial past will shine even more brightly when some of the region's most iconic buildings are illuminated as part of the multimillion pound regeneration of the Heads of the Valleys area.

A spectacular 'Trail of Light' stretching from the Rhondda Fach in the West to Blaenavon World Heritage Site in the East, will be created to give new prominence to the buildings, structures and artworks that recall the period when Welsh industry led the world.

Structures such as the Cefn Coed Viaduct in Merthyr Tydfil, Bedwelty House in Tredegar and Big Pit at Blaenavon are all being considered for inclusion in the innovative project which is being promoted by HERIAN, the public and voluntary sector partnership set up to maximise the benefits of the region's historic legacy.

Physical relics of architectural and historical significance from this illustrious age will be floodlit to remind both residents and visitors of their importance in the making of the nation, injecting a renewed sense of community pride and providing longer term tourism opportunities.

A total of £200,000 has been earmarked, subject to approval, for the scheme by the Welsh Assembly Government under the newly announced Heads of the Valleys Regeneration Strategy – 'Turning Heads'. HERIAN also recognises the potential to roll the project out across wider Industrial South Wales, particularly along the European Route of Industrial Heritage in the longer term. A feasibility study of over 40 sites has recently been completed along with a demonstration floodlighting project at Grade 2 listed Ynys Fach Engine House in Merthyr Tydfil. Plans to floodlight many other buildings which help to celebrate and bring to life the region's industrial past, will now be implemented, putting industrial heritage on display for visitors and people passing along the A465.

The newly-appointed chair of HERIAN, David Davies said he believed this to be one of the most exciting projects HERIAN has undertaken to date. He said: “We want something that will hit people between the eyes and flag up the fact that South Wales as a whole, and the Valleys in particular, once blazed a trail through world industry. The Trail of Light will showcase our iconic industrial features and help bring the past to life.

“South Wales is so rich culturally and historically that it's just important to invest in developing lesser known heritage sites and local historic trails around South Wales, as even the smallest industrial communities helped to shape Wales as a leading industrial nation in its time.

Andrew Davies, Minister for Enterprise, Innovation and Networks, said: “Developing an integrated leisure and tourism experience is one of the five key priority themes of the 'Turning Heads' strategy and will contribute to the continued economic and social regeneration of valley communities. HERIAN's Trail of Light will play a key part in our vision for the area and will make an early impact in the overall Action Plan.

“Treating our historic and built environment in such an innovative way will most definitely 'turn the heads' of passers by and visitors and create a real sense of pride among the communities.

Part of HERIAN's vision is to encourage wider community interpretation of stories of the industrial era that made South Wales what it is today and also develop better physical and thematic links between the numerous sites of interest.

David Davies said: “HERIAN was set up to help South Wales capitalise on its distinctive past. We want to provide exciting lifelong learning and leisure opportunities for local people, and over the longer term, play our part in increase the number of visitors to the region. By lighting up our wonderful industrial buildings, we are proudly drawing attention to our history, developing what could become one of the largest arts and entertainment programmes we have in South Wales. At the same time we are investing in our future by making the environment more attractive for local communities and visitors.

HERIAN is also developing a series of information points across the region, which will promote both the Trail of Light buildings as well as helping to brief local people and visitors about the local landscape and its history which helped to shape modern Wales.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/1/hi/wales/south_east/5169586.stm