A programme of arts-led regeneration work in Tywyn reflecting the town's historical connection with the slate industry and its unique cultural heritage has been completed.  

The work includes artistic slates along footpaths, and art in the form of a slate wagon installed outside the town council office. The wagon is a re-creation of the slate slab wagons used in the nearby quarry of Bryneglwys.   

The words on the side of it, and the poems carved into the slate on the footpath were written by Tywyn author, Manon Steffan Ros, reflecting the area's identity, history and character. They also create a word trail that leads visitors through the town’s story. 

The work was undertaken via funding from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund, and forms part of the wider Llewyrch o'r Llechi programme, which presents improvements to the centre of slate towns across Gwynedd in connection with the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site. 

Other recent investments in the town include footpath resurfacing work, ⁠installing smart benches on the prom that report the town's history, new bins, and signs to guide people around Tywyn.

The scheme is part of Gwynedd Council's wider work to support town centre regeneration, improve the environment and promote the Gwynedd slate heritage as an important industrial and community resource.

Cllr Medwyn Hughes, Cabinet Member for Economy and Community, said: "A visitor economy for the benefit and wellbeing of the people, environment, language and culture of Gwynedd and Eryri is integral to our Sustainable Visitor Economy Plan 2035, and the council has been able to use funding from the UK Government's Shared Prosperity Fund to improve the appearance of many towns across Gwynedd.⁠

 "This artwork in Tywyn adds striking visual features to the town and offers a creative way to connect people to the history and heritage of Tywyn.

"It is encouraging to see this recent investment has also inspired Tywyn Town Council to continue with further improvements in the area and create an attractive and central community area in the town, which contributes to a sense of community pride amongst the area's residents."

Tywyn councillor Anne Lloyd Jones said: "We are extremely fortunate to have these many improvements here in Tywyn. These include artwork with words by Manon Steffan Ros, which has gained a lot of interest, with many visitors asking about the meaning of the words. 

"The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales UNESCO World Heritage Site is something very special. I am very happy to have taken part in this project, which highlights the role of Tywyn, Abergynolwyn and the Talyllyn Railway in the development of the slate industry."

Chris Wood, Tywyn Town Council Clerk, added: "These improvements have certainly improved the appearance of the area, creating a stronger sense of community cohesion and fostering local pride in Tywyn.

"It is great to see a small part of the area's history being highlighted in the town centre, for people to see and appreciate it."

For more information, visit the Llechi Cymru website at www.llechi.cymru/cy/wagen-tywyn