THREE key tourist locations in Powys are set for a boost after the county council secured Welsh Government funding to carry out improvement works.

Powys County Council (PCC) has been successful in securing £210,400 from the Welsh Government’s ‘Brilliant Basic’ scheme for its Powys Visitor Experience Project, which will see a total of £268,000 spent improving the welcome for visitors to Powys – with nearly £3 million being spent across Wales in total.

The project focuses on key locations in Brecon, Llandrindod Wells and Lake Vyrnwy. The council has recently completed visitor experience development plans to assess the impact of existing infrastructure on the current visitor offer and wider experience.

The improvements will enable visitors to orientate themselves more effectively when they arrive at these locations and find and access key visitor assets more easily. The project will enable improved visitor management and increased enjoyment and visitor satisfaction at these key locations.

The council has worked closely with key partners in developing the project, including Brecon Buzz, Brecon Town Council, Hafren Dyfrdwy and RSPB Lake Vyrnwy.

Councillor David Selby, cabinet member for a more prosperous Powys, said: “I’m delighted that we have received this important funding from the Welsh Government.

“We understand that local tourism amenities are vital to someone’s overall experience whether on a day trip or on holiday. They are an important element of our local economy and vital both for visitors and residents.

“Improving the infrastructure at these locations will further enhance visitors’ experience and enjoyment and this could see them return to Powys for future day trips or holidays.

“I would also like to thank our partners whose support and match funding will help deliver the Powys Visitor Experience Project.”

County Times: Llandrindod investment will be centered on the lake and boathouse. Picture by Steven Weekly Llandrindod investment will be centered on the lake and boathouse. Picture by Steven Weekly

In Llandrindod £125,000 is being spent on the spa town’s lake area. This scheme will focus on the visitor experience around the lake and boathouse and will include opening up a slipway access point near the boathouse for water activity access, a new oak shelter/seating area, resurfacing the area around the boathouse to improve disabled access and create a beachside area and wildlife viewpoint. A new disabled access footbridge will also be installed in the nearby Rock Park.

At Lake Vyrnwy, £95,000 will be spent on the scheme, which will see car park improvements at Old Village and Rhiwagor, installation of picnic benches and cycle racks, lakeside bird hide access improvement and interpretation, walking route improvements to two trails to enhance access, upgrading of the Llechwedd-du picnic area as well as the restoration of iconic metal railings around the lake.

In Brecon, £48,000 will go towards new town maps, pedestrian finger posts, heritage plaques, updated signage, welcome banners, QR codes for circular walks around town and from the town centre into the surrounding countryside.

Economy minister, Vaughan Gething, said: “We’re very aware of the important part that local tourism amenities have on someone’s overall experience when on a day trip or on holiday.

“These facilities often go unnoticed, but they are an important part of people’s experiences when they visit Wales, while also benefitting those who live in the area.

“The £2.9 million in new funding will go to projects which will help us make our destinations more accessible and more sustainable, and to grow tourism for the good of Wales.”