Work is set to begin on constructing a visitor attraction hub at two reservoirs in Cardiff.
Welsh Water will begin constructing the hub at Lisvane and Llanishen reservoirs in the north of Cardiff at the end of January.
Construction will be carried out at the northern end of the site to create a two-storey hub with views across both reservoirs.
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It will also feature changing rooms, showers and toilets for watersports, training rooms for local community use, and a café.
The site is also set to bring back sailing to the reservoir, once completed, as well as an array of other watersports including windsurfing, stand-up paddleboarding, canoeing, kayaking, and electric picnic boats.
Councillor Huw Thomas, leader of Cardiff Council, said: “This is an exciting milestone in the journey to bring two of Cardiff’s iconic reservoirs back to life.
"Returning public access to the site has long been an ambition of this Council, and we will continue to support Welsh Water in making that happen.
“The development of a brand new visitor hub will not only provide an area in our vibrant capital where the community can enjoy the wonderful nature around them, but a place for people to improve their own health and well-being and engage with the site through activities and volunteering opportunities.”
Welsh Water also plans to turn the site into an education hub, creating a Learning Zone with an outdoor classroom and Welsh roundhouse ranger-led education activities, volunteering, and work experience opportunities.
The design of the visitor centre will incorporate features such as a large solar photovoltaic (PV) installation on the roof, the use of ‘green’ gas which will be generated from Welsh Water’s sewerage treatment, a sustainable drainage system with underground drainage space, and a rain garden to attenuate and filter rainwaters.
It will also have a heat recovery ventilation system within the changing rooms and wastewater heat recovery shower trays.
Members of the community were invited to register an interest to join a newly formed 'Friends of' group, which will be supported with a supervised training programme and help with the restoration of the woodlands area, enhancing the biodiversity, and protecting the most ecologically sensitive parts of the site.
Pete Perry, chief executive of Welsh Water, said: “The start of this work is a major development in our efforts to bring this cherished community asset back to its former glory and make it more accessible for everyone.
"It will give people the opportunity to reconnect with water and our beautiful environment, providing opportunities for people to enjoy an array of watersports and enjoy the health and well-being benefits that getting outside can bring.”
Welsh Water has appointed Cardiff-based firm BECT Building Contractors to deliver the building work for the project.
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