Plans Unveiled to Transform Derelict Building into a Green Park with a Bat House in Wales
An exciting new development project has been set in motion in Llanhilleth, Abertillery, as plans have been submitted to the Blaenau Gwent planners to demolish a derelict building and create a park in its place. The former pithead baths at Prospect Place are the focal point of this redevelopment scheme, with the proposal also including provisions for a bat roost on the site.
The proposal, spearheaded by Owen Ashton from the Blaenau Gwent County Borough Council’s economic regeneration department, aims to revive the area’s heritage linked to the coal mining industry. Described as a sprawling, brick-built structure, the former pithead baths once served the miners from the Llanhilleth Colliery which was closed in 1969. Now dilapidated, the building stands amidst trees and vegetation, which are set to be cleared to make way for the envisioned public open space.
According to planning consultant Jon Wilks of Amity Planning, the proposed park will be situated on the existing site of the pithead baths building, while a designated area northeast of the structure is earmarked for the construction of a bat roost. This addition is crucial to accommodate the bats that have taken residence in parts of the former bath house buildings. The bat house is designed as a single-storey, dual-pitch structure with enclosed fencing to provide a safe habitat for these protected creatures.
The ambitious revitalisation project involves the demolition of the derelict pithead baths building, paving the way for necessary clearance and re-profiling works to transform the land into a flourishing green space. The upcoming decision deadline for the planners is April 16, setting the stage for a potential transformation that honours the site’s history while embracing environmental conservation.
This initiative marks a turning point from previous proposals for the site, including a housing development scheme that faced community rejection due to concerns over practicality and anti-social behaviour. With a shift towards an “environmental project,” the council is responding to local feedback and exploring sustainable options for the area.
As the council navigates through the planning process, residents and stakeholders eagerly anticipate the potential transformation of the derelict site into a vibrant park that celebrates the region’s industrial past and supports local biodiversity. The integration of a bat house not only reflects environmental stewardship but also highlights the importance of coexisting with diverse wildlife in urban spaces.
With community engagement at its core, this development initiative in Llanhilleth serves as a testament to the power of revitalisation projects in preserving heritage, promoting biodiversity, and fostering a sense of pride and connection among residents. As the proposal progresses through the approval stages, the future of the former pithead baths site in Abertillery holds promise for a greener, more sustainable landscape that honours its rich history while embracing a vision for the future.