The Means has been appointed to Project Manage the development phase (from round one to round two) of the Heritage Lottery Fund's Parks for People programme for Cyfarthfa Park.

Our involvement in the scheme so far has included project managing and writing the successful round one application - one of only two schemes in Wales that were granted a round one pass at the December 2009 HLF assessment panel.

Occupying 160 acres of parkland (the largest public park in the County Borough) Cyfarthfa Park remains a prominent feature within the landscape above Cefn Coed Y Cymmer. It is a lasting symbol of Merthyr Tydfil's national and international importance as (arguably) the birthplace of the industrial revolution.

Whilst the attractive castle and park are popular with local people and visitors the rest of the area's character, condition and connections have been eroded to the extent that it no longer presents a coherent whole.

A successful round two submission will secure funding to enable a diverse programme to be implemented which will:

• Increase the range of audiences using and enjoying the park

• Conserve and enhance the heritage value of the park

• Increase the range of volunteers involved in the park

• Improve skills and knowledge about parks through learning and training

• Improve management and maintenance

Our role for the development phase includes:

• Programme development and coordination

• Managing the progression of design / feasibility (from RIBA stage B to D)

• Encouraging a collaborative approach to managing environmental and heritage projects

• Supporting local partnerships such as the Friends of Cyfarthfa Park group

• Submission of a round two application