Case study

Wales World Heritage Site awarded £13.3 million for visitor improvements

The Pontycysyllte Aqueduct, area of outstanding natural beauty, has been awarded £13.3 million from the Levelling Up Fund.

The Pontycysyllte Aqueduct is a masterpiece of engineering and a popular visitor destination. The aqueduct is a main focal point on the 11-mile stretch of the World Heritage Site. This area of outstanding natural beauty has been awarded £13.3 million from the Levelling Up Fund.

The funding will help:

  • secure its future as a prime heritage asset
  • maximise the potential of the site

Trevor Basin plan to expand tourism benefits

The initial phases of the Trevor Basin Technical Masterplan will deliver:

  • refocusing of the site around the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct
  • a range of visitor improvements

This will include investment to:

  • develop a new walking route in Dee Valley and the area around the aqueduct
  • set up a woodland activity and education area
  • rewild former industrial land
  • create a new arrival area

Upgrading the visitor experience

The investment will improve connectivity, including:

  • improving links between Llangollen and the Wenffrwd Nature Reserve
  • an active travel route for walking and cycling along a disused railway line
  • a new public space at Llangollen’s Castle Street and Abbey Road junction
  • new visitor facilities at Horseshoe Falls

Improved access across the site will deliver health and well-being benefits for future visitors.

Improvements to Corwen Station

Station and car park upgrades include:

  • an active travel route along the former railway line between Corwen and Cynwyd
  • electric vehicle charging points

These improvements will:

  • bring the area back to life as a global tourist attraction
  • provide a major boost to the local economy

Find out more about levelling up.

Updates to this page

Published 17 January 2023