A project aimed at expanding and enhancing the parking facilities at Carmarthenshire Museum, located at the Old Bishop’s Palace in Abergwili, has officially commenced. Scheduled to last approximately 12 weeks, the work is being undertaken by the local Carmarthenshire firm TRJ, starting today, August 19.
The project has secured £264,000 in funding from the Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics Fund. This fund is available to local and national park authorities to support initiatives that enhance accessibility and promote environmentally sustainable destinations.
Following a successful year in 2023, marked by a record number of visitors, Carmarthenshire Museum plans to build on this success by adding accessible parking spaces near the entrance and redesigning the car park layout. New facilities for cyclists will also be introduced, and interpretive elements featuring highlights from the museum’s collection will be incorporated along the visitor’s path from the car park. Additionally, a small garden at the museum’s entrance will be created, serving as a welcoming space for gatherings and activities, with native plants that reflect themes from Carmarthenshire’s history.
Cllr. Hazel Evans, Carmarthenshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Regeneration, Leisure, Culture and Tourism said:
“The car park scheme is a major boost for Carmarthenshire Museum and its partners on the site and will give this historic place the magical visitor arrival experience that it deserves.
“Following on from recent successes, CofGâr aims to continue to host outstanding exhibitions and activities at the museum over the coming years. These works will support our aims by expanding the range of parking facilities on offer and significantly improve accessibility, safety and offer a more inclusive and welcoming experience for all visitors.
“The enhancements to the natural and historic environment around the park will compliment this experience by promoting biodiversity and sustainability and showcasing the highlights of Carmarthenshire’s history in new and creative ways. This, as well as provision for more active travel opportunities, demonstrate how CofGâr is effectively meeting the challenge of Carmarthenshire County Council’s Prosiect Zero Sir Gâr.
“The Council is grateful for the support of our partners in the Welsh Government for this project and we are sure that visitors will be thrilled to see all the positive changes over the coming months at one of Carmarthenshire’s foremost visitor attractions”.
Visit the CofGâr website for more information on the car park works and visiting Carmarthenshire Museum or follow CofGâr on social media.