PLANS to preserve a "people's park" in Gwent could see it develop as a major tourism and heritage venue. \ A renaissance project at Bedwellty House and Park in Tredegar, pictured, aims to turn the area into one of Blaenau Gwent's main attractions.

A dedicated project management team, made up of representatives from Blaenau Gwent council, Tredegar town council and the Friends of Bedwellty Park, will oversee the scheme to regenerate what is considered the town's most important heritage feature.

Bedwellty House, built in 1818 by ironmaster Samuel Homfray, is a Grade II listed building. The 26 acres of grounds include a fountain, ponds, a grotto and an ice-house.

Among proposals outlined in a feasibility study to investigate regenerating the house and park are:

* Making the kitchen garden organic. * Renovating the old walled garden. * Introducing a tropical hothouse. * Improving public access through the grounds. * Establishing a range of independent business units in the park to attract more visitors.

Councillor Nigel Daniels is Blaenau Gwent council's executive member for leisure services and chairman of the project management team.

He said: "The potential the house and park demonstrates is encouraging. We feel sure the proposals of the feasibility study are realistic to ensuring that greater community, educational and recreational use can be made of its features.

"We are currently identifying a number of funding resources that may be available for this renaissance project.

"Programmes of events, similar to those carried out at other recreational venues, would be instigated to ensure the house and park maximise every opportunity to attract and retain visitors."

The feasibility study also identifies work to be done inside the house, including restoring the cellars, rebuilding the orchid house and working on the layout of the courtyard buildings.

The project management team intends to consult with community groups over the proposals.

The house and park was given to the people of the town by Lord Tredegar in 1901 for them to use "as public recreation and pleasing minds".