Brymbo Heritage Trust cleared to transform former Ironworks site into major tourist attraction

Major works to transform the former Brymbo Ironworks, Steelworks and Fossil Forest site into a tourist attraction have cleared their final hurdle.

Stori Brymbo will offer a unique visitor attraction that moves from the humid, mossy swamp forests of 300 million years ago (the period when coal was formed), through the industrial processes on the site over time.

This week it has been confirmed that the Brymbo Heritage Trust has received permission to start the project.

Over the next 12 months the Fossil Forest will be covered with a temporary structure and the process of excavating the fossilised trees and fauna will begin.

This will be a live excavation, allowing visitors to see the fossils being revealed before their eyes.

Works will also see the former Machine Shop building being repaired and the Heritage Area around it developed.

The other side of Phoenix Drive will be transformed into Lodge Valley Park, beautiful parkland space for the community and visitors to enjoy.

Once complete Stori Brymbo will uniquely combine the stories of nature, industry and people in the area over time.

Nicola Eaton Sawford, Chief Executive of Brymbo Heritage Trust, said clearing the final hurdle is “an emotional moment” for those involved in the project.

“Resolving all of the unique legal and commercial issues necessary to get this project underway has been tough and it’s taken time, but we’re there now,” said Nicola.

“It’s an incredibly emotional moment for the many people who have worked so hard over two decades to get us to where we are today.

“Our personal thanks go to past and present Trustees, team members, volunteers and interest group participants as well as Brymbo Developments Limited, Wrexham County Borough Council, Welsh Government, National Lottery Heritage Fund, National Lottery Community Fund, Cadw, Natural Resources Wales, all our professional advisors, local councillors and the local community.

“Their support and determination to find a way to get this project off the ground has been immense. It has been a challenging rollercoaster ride.

“Every one of those people who played their part should be very proud today – they’ve helped a stoic community protect the unique heritage they cherish and they’ve helped Wrexham secure a huge tourism investment.

“This attraction will be unique in the world. What has been achieved here is truly remarkable.”

Local councillor Paul Rogers said: “The news that Brymbo Heritage Trust has been given permission to start is great news.

“A huge amount of work has been undertaken over recent months by everyone involved to get to this point. It has been challenging and at times frustrating however through working together we have managed to overcome many obstacles.”

“I am confident that this project by Brymbo Heritage Trust supported by Brymbo Developments Ltd, Cadw and Wrexham Council will bring significant benefits to the area.”

“As someone who’s family has lived in the community for generations, I know how important this site is to the community.

“Brymbo Steelworks closed in 1990 and this investment is long overdue. I look forward to working with the Trust’s new leadership to create a lasting legacy that the people of Brymbo and former steelworkers can be proud of.”

To find out more about the site’s history and our progress onsite, join the team at the Open Day on 28 September. Various experience/tour tickets are available via the link on the website and on Eventbrite.