Moel Famau and Loggerheads to benefit from 2024 improvements

Last year, Denbighshire Council received confirmation that they had secured £10.95m from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund for the Clwyd West constituency to support the development of 10 projects aimed at protecting Ruthin’s unique heritage, wellbeing and rural communities.

The proposals were supported by the constituency MP David Jones and local elected members.

The main outcome for the Loggerheads and Moel Famau projects is to provide a "gateway" into the AONB and also to improve/increase the facilities at both locations due to their increased popularity as a tourist destination since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Loggerheads Country Park is set to benefit from new flood mitigation measures to help combat the natural flooding which has occurred a number of times in recent years and caused damage to buildings at the site.

The project will also make improvements to the main visitor building with a view to enhance the visitor experience and increase revenue potential.

Loggerheads Country Park (Image: staff)

The Moel Famau project will see the installation of new visitor facilities through the construction of a ‘Norway-cabin’ which will contain a small kitchen to be able to offer light visitor refreshments, toilet facilities and a small office space.

In addition, cycle paths at the site are to be improved and extended to mitigate erosion.

So far, the Project Team has commissioned TACP Ltd. as design consultants for elements of both projects, while Waterco has been appointed to undertake the design of a flood alleviation scheme at Loggerheads.

A public consultation will begin in early 2024 to seek views on the proposed designs for both sites.

Cllr Win Mullen-James, lead member for local development and planning at Denbighshire Council said: “I am pleased that these projects managed to secure funding through the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund to carry out essential improvements to both sites.

“These sites are much loved Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and it is important that we continue to maintain and develop the sites as their popularity grows to ensure that they can continue to be enjoyed by all who visit.”

Cllr Jason McLellan, council leader and lead member for economic growth and tackling deprivation, said: “We have seen a drastic increase in visitor numbers at Loggerheads and Moel Famau in recent years and these projects, once completed, will help to ensure that both sites are able to cope with increases in footfall.

“I would like to thank the Project Team for their hard work so far in developing these proposals and appointing suitable contractors to undertake vital parts of the projects.

"I look forward to seeing these projects progress in the New Year.”