LUC is in a team developing concept design proposals and an interpretation plan as part of the Four Great Highways project.

Our landscape architects are working alongside Cadwyn Clwyd, the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB), Denbighshire County Council (DCC) and the Llangollen 2020 Working Group.

Four Great Highways project

The aim of the project is to draw attention to and celebrate the uniqueness of Llangollen in Denbighshire. We will explore issues such as improving access and connectivity, creating an uplift in the visual appearance of the public realm within the setting of the heritage assets. We will devise a network of interpretation, signage and public art which promotes a legible environment, creates a sense of place and reinforces the importance of the town’s legacy.

In early March, we undertook a series of public consultations within the town including an exhibition within the library and a public meeting.

Local stakeholders were invited to feedback their thoughts on the proposals which feature:

• a proposed viewing platform located adjacent to Llangollen bridge
• a fully accessible footpath network into Lower Dee Mill Park
• raised crossing points to resolve pedestrian and vehicle conflict
• an approach to interpretation with precedent examples.

Our consultation material was presented in both Welsh and English to ensure access for all.

The uniqueness of Llangollen, Denbighshire

Llangollen is located within the Dee Valley and the urban grain of the town is tightly knit, owing to its medieval origins. These four great highways have played a vital role in how the town has developed and the growth of industry within it. They are located within 100m of one another creating a hive of heritage activity.

The town is home to the Llangollen Canal, a World Heritage Site; the Llangollen Railway, a heritage railway along the former Ruabon to Barmouth line; the River Dee and Grade I listed Llangollen Bridge which is one of the Seven Wonders of Wales; and the Thomas Telford designed London to Holyhead Road.

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