Grant to redevelop landmark site

The former Dunlop Semtex factory is listed

A multi-million pound grant which will seal the redevelopment of one of Wales's industrial landmarks has been confirmed.

The Welsh Assembly has announced that it is to award £6.4m towards redeveloping the former Dunlop Semtex factory at Brynmawr in the Gwent Valleys.

It will pave the way for a major £35m retail and housing development on the site of the distinctively domed former rubber factory.

The redevelopment of the factory, which was built for the Festival of Britain in 1951, has been held up because of asbestos contamination.

Pub

Plans for the £33m scheme were first unveiled 18 months ago.

But the project has been stalled by the asbestos on the site which has been idle for nearly 20 years.

Permission for the Grade Two listed building to be demolished has already been granted along with outline planning approval for the redevelopment.

The plans for the 60-acre site include 270 homes, shops, a hotel, pub and restaurant.

The Lakeside Park project should bring a welcome jobs boost to the area.

Demolition work will begin in the next few weeks.