Cyngor Gwynedd has completed a programme of arts-led regeneration work in Tywyn that reflects the town's historical connection with the slate industry and its unique cultural heritage.
The work includes artistic slates along footpaths, and art in the form of a slate wagon, installed outside the Town Council office. The wagon is a re-creation of the slate slab wagons used in the nearby quarry of Bryneglwys.
The words on the side of the wagon, and the poems carved into the slate on the footpath were written by the author from Tywyn, Manon Steffan Ros. The words reflect the area's identity, history and character. They also create a word trail that leads visitors through the town’s story.
The work was undertaken via funding from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, and it forms part of the wider Llewyrch o'r Llechi programme, which presents improvements to the centre of slate towns across Gwynedd in connection with the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site.
Other recent investments in the town include:
- footpath resurfacing work,
- installing smart benches on the prom that report the town's history,
- new bins around the town,
- new signs to help guide pedestrians and visitors when travelling around the town.
The purpose of the investments is to strengthen a sense of local pride, improve visitor experience, and create a stronger connection between the town and its industrial history. The scheme is part of Cyngor Gwynedd's wider work to support town centre regeneration, improve the public environment and promote the Gwynedd slate heritage as an important industrial and community resource.
Councillor Medwyn Hughes, Cyngor Gwynedd's Cabinet Member for Economy and Community, said:
"A visitor economy for the benefit and well-being of the people, environment, language and culture of Gwynedd and Eryri is integral to our Sustainable Visitor Economy Plan 2035, and the Council have been able to use funding from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund to improve the appearance of many towns across Gwynedd.
This artwork in Tywyn adds striking visual features to the town and offers a creative way to connect people to the history and heritage of Tywyn.
"It is encouraging to see that this recent investment has also inspired Tywyn Town Council to continue with further improvements in the area and create an attractive and central community area in the town, which contributes to a sense of community pride amongst the area's residents."
Councillor Anne Lloyd Jones, Local Member for Tywyn, said
"We are extremely fortunate to have these many improvements here in Tywyn. These include artwork with words by Manon Steffan Ros, which has gained a lot of interest, with many visitors asking about the meaning of the words.
"The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales UNESCO World Heritage Site is something very special. I am very happy to have taken part in this project, which highlights the role of Tywyn, Abergynolwyn and the Talyllyn Railway in the development of the slate industry."
Chris Wood, Tywyn Town Council Clerk, added:
"These improvements have certainly improved the appearance of the area, creating a stronger sense of community cohesion and fostering local pride in Tywyn.
"It is great to see a small part of the area's history being highlighted in the town centre, for people to see and appreciate it."