What We Do
In 1976 all the assets of the former Aberystwyth Borough Council were transferred to Ceredigion County Council. This included land and buildings and since 1976 Aberystwyth Town Council has leased many of the assets back from Ceredigion County Council in order to provide local services such as parks, playgrounds, allotments etc. (see below).
Neuadd Gwenfrewi
Neuadd Gwenfrewi, Queen’s Road, represents the first Aberystwyth owned building since the asset transfer in 1976. In 2021 the Town Council bought the disused church and presbytery with a view to develop the site as a community and cultural centre as well as providing a civic space. The first phase restoration work commenced December 2023.
Maes Gwenfrewi
A former bowling green, Maes Gwenfrewi which is located next door to Neuadd Gwenfrewi, was transformed in 2022 into a much- loved park featuring a wealth of biodiversity, thanks to a Challenge for Nature grant of £215,000. Trees, shrubs and wildflower meadows were planted, access improved, and growing spaces created.
Parc Kronberg
Officially opened in December 2017, having received close to £500,000 funding from the Big Lottery, Parc Kronberg is both a community park and skatepark. Located on Boulevard St Brieuc it is central to the Aberystwyth Town Council area. In addition to the skatepark, the park design includes footpaths, built seating, grassed picnic areas, a climbing and seating bank as well as ‘wild’ areas to encourage biodiversity. It won the One Voice Wales environment award in 2020.
Castle Playground
The Castle playground is located in the grounds of Aberystwyth castle. Popular with locals and visitors, it caters for children of all ages and is close to the promenade and to public toilets.
Plascrug Playground
Located half-way along the popular and traffic free Plascrug Avenue, Plascrug playground is a colourful and diverse play area for children of all ages. It includes a disabled swing and accessible roundabout.
Penparcau Playground
Located in the village of Penparcau, the playground is a green space but with paths made of sport matting to provide all weather access to equipment.
Multi Use Games Area (MUGA)
Located in Min y Ddôl, Penparcau the Multi Use Games Area is well used by local groups for football, netball and basketball.
Outdoor Gym (Adizone)
Located in Min y Ddôl, Penparcau, close to the MUGA, the Adizone is a well-used outdoor gym facility which has proved a particularly valuable asset – especially during lockdown.
Green Spaces
Various green spaces have been adopted from Ceredigion County Council across the town. Town centre wildflower meadows supports the wellbeing of residents and a large orchard area near the allotment site offer healthy produce to local families as well as support biodiversity.
Tree Planting
Over 50 town centre trees were planted in 2022 and an annual budget ensures that the planting programme continues.
Street Furniture
The Town Council is responsible for most of the benches throughout the town and implements a regular maintenance programme. The Town Council’s pro-bench policy ensures that new benches are added where needed.
Defibrillators
The Town Council provides defibrillators in the following locations:
- Spar, Terrace Road
- Castle Shop
Old Town Market
The Town Council organises regular local craft and food markets in the old town area of Aberystwyth outside the castle gates and in the vicinity of the old Market Hall.
Events
An annual programme of cultural events starts with Santes Dwynwen in January and ends with a celebration at the Castle in September. The summer entertainment programme is held in the Bandstand during July and August.
Christmas Trees & Lights
The Town Council provides trees and lights for Penparcau, the Town Centre and Trefechan. Festoon lights are provided for the town centre and drape lights for the clock. In 2023, thanks to SPF funding four sculptural Christmas trees and lights were added.
Seniors Christmas Lunch
The Mayor’s lunch for Aberystwyth’s older residents (65+) is a popular annual social event.