Interactive signs, toilet pay barriers and a park shelter are coming to Builth Wells

Builth Wells Town Council will pay for interactive signs, public toilet pay barriers and a park shelter out of its Pride in Place money.

The £83,000 is aimed at enhancing the physical environment in public spaces, and town centre revitalisation.

The council secured the money from the UK Governments Pride in Place Impact Fund, which is coordinated and distributed on their behalf by Powys County Council.

It will pay for three projects which met the fund’s strict criteria.

One of the projects will be to install a chemical toilet disposal point for motorhome and caravan visitors and to improve security and offset maintenance costs to the town council they will also introduce a pay-to-access controlled entry system at the Groe toilets.

Other projects will include placing a shade shelter in the Groe to enable year-round use of the park and interactive signs to boost and grow tourism.

Town clerk Louise Hammond successfully bid for the funding for the three projects.

She said: “The Groe public toilets are a key piece of infrastructure at an important stopping point for residents, day visitors and touring motorhome users travelling through Wales.

“While well used, the current facilities do not adequately support the needs of motorhome visitors, particularly in relation to the safe disposal of chemical toilet waste.

“This has resulted in inappropriate disposal of chemical cassettes within standard toilet facilities, causing blockages, maintenance issues, increased costs and periods of closure.

“In addition, the toilets would benefit from improvements to security, sustainability and long‑term financial resilience, as they currently cost the town council around £40,000 per year to maintain, repair and clean etc,

“The aim will therefore be to install a dedicated chemical toilet disposal point designed specifically for motorhome and caravan users, aimed at reducing blockages and maintenance disruption.

“In addition, to improve security and to offset the cost to the town council, there will be the introduction of a pay‑to‑access-controlled entry system.

“Installation of solar panels on the roof will also help to reduce energy costs and environmental impact.

“The upgraded provision will position the town as a responsible and welcoming destination for touring visitors while improving day‑to‑day facilities for the local community.”

Despite its popularity, there is currently no permanent provision of shelter within the Groe park to offer shade from sun exposure or protection from rain.

This limits the length of time people can comfortably use the space and can disproportionately affect older people, families with young children, and those with health or mobility needs.

Louise said: “The aim of this project is to improve the comfort, accessibility, and inclusivity of Groe Park by providing a permanent shaded structure that enables year-round use.

“It also aims to support wider objectives around healthy lifestyles and social connection. The project will deliver the installation of a permanent shaded and weather protective structure, designed to complement the natural and recreational setting of the park.”

Builth Wells attracts visitors for its facilities, surrounding landscape and nearby attractions; however, access to clear, updated and engaging information is currently limited.

The aim of the interactive signs is to significantly enhance the visitor experience by introducing modern, interactive signage that provides clear, engaging and current information about the town and its wider offer.

Louise added: “This will help support growth in tourism and the local economy, as well as helping to strengthen the town’s image as welcoming, accessible and forward-thinking.

“The interactive signage will act as a central information point, supporting both casual visitors and planned tourists, while reducing reliance on printed materials and improving overall accessibility to information.

“There are tight deadlines in respect of these projects regarding the necessary permissions, quotes etc and to getting all the work done, so all town councillors will be fully invested and involved in these projects.”