‘Brilliant Basics’ fund to support three Wrexham organisations deliver tourism infrastructure improvements

Three Wrexham organisations have received a share of a £2.4 million fund aimed at boosting Welsh tourism.

This year the pandemic has led to an increase in tourism in Wales, with many choosing to holiday in the UK or visit local attractions for day trips.

The ‘Brilliant Basics’ initiative, launched by the Welsh Government, is a new Wales wide fund supporting public, third sector and not for profit organisations to deliver basic small scale tourism infrastructure improvements.

26 projects have been successful in their funding applications for the £2.4 million fund for 2021-2022.

Small scale tourism infrastructure projects were supported from local authorities, national parks and the third sector and – all helping to ensure that all visitors to Wales have a positive and memorable experience throughout their stay.

The projects include electric vehicle charging points, improved toilet and car parking facilities, accessible Changing Places facilities and improved signage and interpretation panels – and a waterfall swing.

In Wrexham four organisations and projects have received a share of the funding.

These include: Groundwork North Wales, Minera Lead Mines visitor amenities – £94,060, Brymbo Heritage Trust, Accessible Stori Brymbo – £120,000, Canal and River Trust and Trevor Basin -Transforming a Visitor welcome – £128,000

Three of Welsh Water’s visitor attractions sites will also benefit from the Brilliant Basics funding, including its Visitor Attraction site in Llyn Brenig, Conwy, have also be awarded funding for the development of a Waterfall Swing with water artistry.

Thought to be the first of its kind in the UK, the Waterfall Swing uses hundreds of downward jets of water to create a controllable waterfall effect which incorporates swings and can also be adapted to take users with limited mobility, including wheelchairs.

Welsh Water Chief Executive, Peter Perry said “We’re hugely grateful to Welsh Government for the valuable support which will help us build on our visitor experience offer at our Visitor Attractions across Wales.

“Due to the popularity of this summer’s staycation, we have seen a huge increase in visitor numbers at our attraction sites. This has led us to launch new mountain bike tracks at Elan Valley, and introduce water sports at Llyn Brenig and Lliw Reservoirs.

“This funding from Welsh Government will now allow us to offer visitors additional benefits which we hope will boost Welsh tourism and entice even more visitors to discover the beauty of the Welsh landscape whilst benefitting from outdoor recreational activities.

Economy Minister, Vaughan Gething, said: “Following the busy summer we’ve had here in Wales, we’ve seen the important part that local tourism amenities have on making a trip a memorable one.

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

“I’m delighted that we’re able to support these organisations to improve the visitor experience in their areas.”