Merthyr Tydfil has a proud and fascinating past.
The town and surrounding area left its mark during the
industrial revolution and from the mid-nineteenth century became a
cradle of industry and commerce. The first major iron furnace was
established in 1759 and later developed by the "Guest" family into
the "Dowlais Works", one of the first major iron producers in the
world and in operation until the late 1980's.
Today as a result of two decades of reclamation and regeneration
Merthyr Tydfil offers many development opportunities to businesses
and individuals. The area also offers idyllic scenery as well
as a wealth of heritage that has resulted in tourism becoming an
important aspect in the economy of the County Borough.
Plans in place for Merthyr Tydfil will see much development and
investment in the forthcoming years that will result in major
changes to the town in the enhancement of its overall environment
and in the provision of facilities and services. Over the past five
years Merthyr Tydfil CBC in conjunction with the Merthyr Tydfil
Town Centre Partnership has implemented and developed a range
of projects for the Town Centre, and has plans for further
development and investment until 2015.
The projects that will be implemented over Ithe next few years
that will result in major improvements to the urban environment of
the town, including public realm improvements, building enhancement
schemes, landscaping proposals and the bringing forward of key
development sites.
Places to Visit.
Jospeh Parry's Ironworkers Cottage : The
birthplace of Dr. Joseph Parry. The first floor houses an
exhibition about Joseph Parry while the ground floor has been
restored to highlight what life was like in the 1840's
Morlais Castle : Visit the ruins of the
castle and view the surrounding scenery.
Merthyr Leisure Centre : The centre offers
leisure and health facilities together with a lounge bar and
crèche.
Taf Bargoed Millenium Park : accessed by the
celtic trail which runs through the site the centre offers numerous
activities including a state of the art climbing complex.
Taf Fechan Nature Reserve : Enjoy the scenery
and woodland areas.
Taff Trail : Linking Cardiff to Merthyr Tydfil
the trail is designed for use by both cyclists and walkers.
Trevithick Tramroad Trail : Following the route
of the Penydarren Tramroad the 9.5 mile route leads to the
Trevithick Tunnel.
Trevithick's Tunnel Interpretation Point : The
tunnel through which the historical first steam powered railway
journey took place in 1804.
Tydfil Trail : one of a range of local heritage
trails that allow visitors to see historic sites and places of
interest. The Tydfil trail encircles the heart of Merthyr
Tydfil.
St. Tydfil's Church : built on the site of an
original medieval church. Present church designed by renown
Victorian architect J.L Pearson in 1891 and rebuilt between 1895
and 1901. situated to the front of the church is a fountain,
erected in memory of Robert and Lucy Thomas, pioneers of the welsh
steam coal trade.