WORK is set to start on the transformation of a former Wrexham steelworks into a major visitor attraction.
Brymbo Heritage Trust say they are "delighted" to announce that they have cleared all the hurdles to start work on the former Ironworks, Steelworks and Fossil Forest site in Brymbo.
The site underwent a waiting game with planning applications being submitted to the council, but today (July 17) the Trust has confirmed that they can proceed with their plans.
Over the next 12 months, the Fossil Forest will be covered with a temporary structure and the process of excavating the fossilised trees and fauna will begin.
This will be a live excavation, allowing visitors to see the fossils being revealed before their eyes. The Machine Shop building will be repaired and the Heritage Area around it, developed.
On the other side of Pheonix Drive, Lodge Valley Park will be developed into a parkland space for the community and visitors to enjoy.
Once the work is completed, Stori Brymbo will offer a unique visitor attraction that moves visitors from the humid, mossy swamp forests of 300 million years ago (the period when coal was formed), through the industrial processes on the site over time.
The site will explain the processes for extracting iron, coal and then on to steel production. Stori Brymbo will uniquely combine the stories of nature, industry and people in Brymbo over time.
When that all leaves you mentally and physically exhausted, you’ll be able to recharge in the coffee shop that will be free to access by all.
Nicola Eaton Sawford, Chief Executive, said: "Resolving all of the unique legal and commercial issues necessary to get this project underway has been tough and it’s taken time, but we’re there now.
"It’s an incredibly emotional moment for the many people who have worked so hard over two decades to get us to where we are today. Our personal thanks go to past and present Trustees, team members, volunteers and interest group participants as well as Brymbo Developments Limited, Wrexham County Borough Council, Welsh Government, National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Lottery Community Fund, Cadw, Natural Resources Wales, all our professional advisors, local councillors and the local community.
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"Their support and determination to find a way to get this project off the ground has been immense. It has been a challenging rollercoaster ride. Every one of those people who played their part should be very proud today – they've helped a stoic community protect the unique heritage they cherish and they’ve helped Wrexham secure a huge tourism investment.
"This attraction will be unique in the world. What has been achieved here is truly remarkable.”
Chair of the site, Nick Amyes added: “I am absolutely delighted that after 12 years from the initial feasibility study, we have now reached the stage where we can get construction underway. Brymbo Heritage Trust has over the past few months morphed into an organisation that is resolute and focussed on achieving our objectives together with the help of our partners.
"This will ensure that we develop the Heritage Area for the benefit of our local community and showcase it’s unique features to a wider audience.”
To find out more about the site’s history and our progress onsite, you can join them at their open day on September 28. Otherwise, updates will be posted on their social media sites.
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