Ambitious plans to reopen a historic Welsh lido continue to gather pace with a strong hope that the attraction could welcome visitors in the next couple of years. Known historically as ‘the baths’ the once-popular Brynamman Lido opened in 1934 during the Great Depression.
The attraction has not been open since 2010 but efforts to restore it to its former glory have been ramped up in recent years. Shortly after the decision was taken not to reopen it for the summer 13 years ago Hollywood actress Minnie Driver even spoke of the need to preserve it, calling it "fantastic".
After the site was left unused and overgrown for a decade Carmarthenshire Council agreed to transfer the assets to the Brynamman Lido Committee in 2020 and that was rubber-stamped last year. Plans were revealed to not just open the lido once more but to develop the attraction so that it would include a café, a hot tub area, and a shop. It was hoped that this dream could have become a reality as early as 2021 but the Covid-19 pandemic thrust most projects into a period of uncertainty.
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But earlier this year the committee in charge of the lido was awarded a grant of £10,000 which would pay for an architect, a quantity surveyor, and a consultant to work with the committee to produce a feasibility study regarding the lido’s future. The grant was awarded by the Architectural Heritage Fund, who said they were “impressed by the society’s ambition to restore this much-loved lido and make it a focal point for the community”.
An artist's impressions of what the site will look like once reopened:
The total cost of refurbishing and reopening the site in a new and improved state is estimated to be around £1m with funds being raised through a variety of sources including grants, the sale of shares, and from donations from those who wish to support the project. For more information about how you can be a part of the project moving forward click here.
Hopes to reopen the lido have taken another step forward with a meeting held in the Amman Valley on Friday night. The evening included a presentation by Rural Office Architecture following the project viability study, which was supported by the Architectural Heritage Fund and Cwarter Bach Community Council. In attendance at the meeting were representatives from local businesses, councillors, support agencies, and community volunteers. Adam Price, leader of Plaid Cymru and the MS for Carmarthen East and Dinefwr, was also present at what was the first in a series of consultation events which are designed to help shape the future of the project and to understand the needs of the local community which surrounds the lido.
Mr Price, who is fully supportive of the plan to bring the lido back to life, said: "Having grown up in the Amman Valley I am delighted to see these plans to bring the lido back to life. I’m truly inspired by the committee’s level of commitment; they have worked incredibly hard to get to this stage and I would like to put on record my thanks to them. The lido has been closed for over a decade now and presents a real cultural loss not just to Brynamman but to the entire valley. Bringing it back to life, in such an innovative and eco-friendly way, would provide a massive boost that could transform this part of the valley. Brynamman Lido contributed to a real sense of community in the village so seeing such a big turnout at the meeting was brilliant. I look forward to supporting this project the best I can.”
Janet Ilett of the Brynamman Lido Committee said: "This is an important step in the process, sharing our vision with potential stakeholders: businesses, community organisations, and key individuals to discuss the impact that the refurbishment and reopening of the lido can have to Brynamman and surrounding areas. We share a passion in our dream to get the baths open again to benefit everyone in the local community. We know we have a huge task ahead and we welcome all thoughts, ideas and offers of help. Our dream is one step closer.”
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