£1.4m spent on 'events area' that can't host big events
A new "events area" that cost £1.4million has a weight restriction that makes it unsuitable for large events.
The Glebeland site, which used to be home to Merthyr Tydfil bus station, was recently redeveloped into open space for community events. But locals were left perplexed last month when the town's Chilli & Chocolate Festival was held on a smaller space, the nearby Penderyn Square, where some felt "cramped". WalesOnline can now reveal that Glebeland cannot host such events because of the surfacing used.
WalesOnline understands mobile caterers like those at the festival would not be able to access Glebeland because of the surface's weight restriction. The site — redeveloped by Merthyr Tydfil council with funding from the Welsh Government — was designed for "the short to medium term" because its use "may change as a consequence of further development within the town centre", according to the council.
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The council insists the land — which includes paving and green space — will still be able to host the smaller events it was developed for, but did not answer when we asked whether the weight restriction was always part of the plan.
Social media users praised the Chilli & Chocolate Festival's organisers for putting together a "lovely" day but some questioned the location. One wrote: "I thought these sort of events would take place where the old bus station was... It's a much nicer area and also closer to the main town to draw people in. The one-way road would not need to be closed so no traffic restrictions through town up to the top."
Another added: "We said the same. Could have some stalls etc. there and a link between there and Penderyn Square making it all cohesive. Would feel less cramped too."
The council said Glebeland was never intended for "large-scale events" and that Penderyn Square remains the town's "main event space".
Its spokesman added: "An events plan is currently being created for the Glebeland site which will host smaller-scale events such as markets, community events and promotional activities, which will bring footfall into the shopping centre and surrounding businesses and complement larger-scale events being held on Penderyn Square, which will ensure the whole town centre benefits from events."
The opening of the land to the public was initially scheduled for spring 2024 before being pushed back to last December due to "issues with unknown utilities, ground contamination and surfacing discovered during the construction phase".
The council spokesman told us this "resulted in a longer construction period but has had no negative impact on the finished site".
Glebeland is already a "well-used open space" for recreation and health purposes, they pointed out, with landscaping and street furniture which "restricts opportunities for larger-scale events".
The council said 84% of residents and 83% of businesses surveyed welcomed the introduction of open public space at Glebeland, adding: "Consultation discussions on events were all based on smaller-scale events such as Xmas markets."
Elizabeth Bedford, who manages Merthyr Business Improvement District, which organised the Chilli and Chocolate Festival, said: 'Penderyn Square continues to serve as a valuable and well-situated venue for our events, and we are fortunate to have access to it during this period of transition. We are in regular communication with the local authority and fully informed of the progress regarding the Glebeland site. Once that site is fully prepared and appropriate for use, we will give it full consideration for future events.
'The lovely weather brought huge numbers to the recent Chilli & Chocolate Festival and concerns regarding overcrowding on Penderyn Square are being actively addressed.
'In the meantime, the event footprint is being extended by opening up more of the available space and making greater use of the surrounding roads that are already closed to traffic. These adjustments will help to ease pressure on the main square while ensuring events remain safe and accessible for all.'
The Welsh Government has been approached for comment.
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