Monmouthshire County Council seeks architect to improve visitor experience of Clydach Gateway

The Clydach Gateway composing of Ironworks, a car park and a picnic site is up for development with Monmouthshire County Council seeking an architect or design consultant to deliver plans to improve the visitor experience.

Nestled within Blaenavon World Heritage Site and Bannau Brycheiniog National Park, the gateway hosts remnants from the 1795 Ironworks in the form of blast furnaces, masonry and walls, and a water wheel pit. All of which are protected as Scheduled Monuments.

The main objectives of the project is to increase connectivity around the site whilst considering equality and inclusivity. Designers should take advantage of enhancement opportunities such as landscaping, access and signage improvements, creating safe and accessible outdoor spaces and building on the area as a key tourist destination to improve the overall visitor experience and site appeal. 

There are hopes that the development will enhance access to public transport and reinstate some of the key trails and routes such as the Cwm Pwca Trail which connects to Clydach Gorge, Llanelly Quarry and Devil’s Bridge as key tourist destinations. 

The Cwm Pwca or ’Valley of the Goblin’ hosts the Clydach river which powered the machinery at the Ironworks and Quarries. It’s also notable for its more sinister news with legends of the demon ’Pwca’ following the area and drawing unsuspecting travellers to discover the Welsh legends. 

With an estimated value of £35,000, the successful applicant must complete assessment, design and oversee implementation from the start of the contract on 19 September 2025 to its completion in March 2027. The project may be suitable for small or medium sized enterprises or voluntary, community enterprises.

All submissions must be completed via the Sell2Wales Portal by 9 September 2025.