Plans to enhance the riverside by the historic Monnow Bridge and improve basic infrastructure in Monmouth are under way.
The project is a partnership between Monmouthshire County Council and Monmouth Town Council and is funded by the Welsh Government Brilliant Basics scheme. The scheme aims to enable small scale tourism infrastructure improvements designed to improve the attractiveness of towns for visitors.
The project includes tree and wildflower planting, new picnic and park benches to enjoy the lovely riverside spot with its view of the iconic bridge, signage and a sculpture to create a more visual separation of the green space from the car park. In addition to the improvements to the open space, new “smart” litter bins will be installed on Monnow Street and other key locations.
The popular green space on the old cattle market beside the Old Monnow Bridge was selected for funding as this is the first and last impression that many visitors get of Monmouth.
The sculpture being created by Newport community mosaic artist Stephanie Roberts will represent the need to protect our precious rivers and wildlife.
Stephanie will also be hosting a community event as part of the project at the Ty Price, St Thomas Hall:
Meet the Artist
Saturday 11th November, 2.15pm-4.15pm
This is a conversational event where Stephanie will share her artwork designs, concepts and processes from design to construction. Stephanie aims to gain local people’s connection to the project while sharing her creative process and use of repurposed materials.
Workshop opportunities
Friday, 24th November, morning and afternoon sessions.
Stephanie is inviting the community to sign up for two print-based workshops, where individuals will create prints that will inspire and inform the detailed mosaic elements of the artwork, inspired by the River Monnow and guardianship. Places are limited. Children must be aged 13+ unless accompanied by an adult.
Please come along to Ty Price on Saturday 11th November to hear about the project and sign up for a workshop.
As part of the project also, Stephanie is working with Monmouth Comprehensive School’s Art Club to develop the designs further.
A significant project element is introducing “smart” recycling litter bins throughout the town centre to collect cans, plastic bottles and paper cups for recycling. Analysis of the content of litter bins in Monmouth showed 30% of the items in bins could be recycled if suitable bins were available. The new bins will be installed in January and February, making it as easy to find a recycling bin as it is to find a normal litter bin on the street. Monmouthshire residents are among the top recyclers in Wales, with 70% of all household waste being recycled. In addition to street recycling litter bins, five larger recycling hubs will be introduced where glass bottles, cans, plastic bottles and paper cups can be recycled. The bins will also be fitted with electronic bin fill sensors as part of a trial to test how technology can help reduce the frequency of overflowing litter bins.
Monmouthshire County Council Cabinet Member for Climate Change and the Environment, Cllr Catrin Maby, said: ” This spot near Monnow Bridge is a popular area to sit and enjoy the river, and I am looking forward to seeing the wildflowers and trees and the new benches and sculpture. I am pleased also that we are making it easier for people to recycle when they are out and about, as well as at home. We have already achieved a good domestic recycling rate in Monmouthshire, and this is a good next step.”
Monmouth Town Council councillor, Cllr Jane Lucas said: “I’m excited by the plans for Blestium Street, and really looking forward for residents to be part of the project. The scheme will undoubtedly improve existing public space with wildflowers and trees. Residents in this popular and historic part of Monmouth will welcome more recycling bins.”
The project is part of our Motion for Rivers and Ocean Action Plan, raising awareness of the impact litter can have on our rivers and seas. You can find out more about our Motion for Rivers and Ocean Action Plan here: https://democracy.monmouthshire.gov.uk/documents/s32681/1c%20Motion%20for%20ocean%20Action%20plan%20DRAFT.pdf
