A new sculpture and tourism trail will be created in Newtown to mark 250 years since social reformer Robert Owen was born.

Welsh Government minister Eluned Morgan has announced that £55,000 will go towards a permanent memorial to celebrate the global legacy of one of Wales' most famous sons.

The Labour Member of Senedd for Mid and West Wales said: “This exciting project will add an additional public point of artistic and historical reference for the town of Newtown."

Textile factory owner Robert Owen was born in Newtown on May 14, 1771. He is world famous for wanting to make a fairer society by improving the working and living conditions of his workers, and his work led to the development of the co-operative movement.

County Times: Robert Owen lived in the building which is now occupied by HSBC in Broad Street, Newtown. Picture: Anwen ParryRobert Owen lived in the building which is now occupied by HSBC in Broad Street, Newtown. Picture: Anwen Parry

Ms Morgan said: "Owen’s ideas about principled economic development, the importance of education for young people and support for working families through childcare provision were radical at the time, and are as important today for creating prosperous, active communities.

“250 years ago, social reform was a widely discussed topic and few spoke up against the injustices of the time. We have had an important debate recently over how we represent the past, and I feel it is important that those who sought reform to benefit others – in the spirit of the Labour tradition - should also be remembered as part of our history.”

Minister for Finance and Trefnydd Rebecca Evans MS told Senedd members in February that plans were going ahead to mark the event.

She said: "I'm really pleased to say that the Welsh Government is exploring working with the Arts Council of Wales to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Robert Owen.

"An artist in residence was appointed in August to engage with the local community in Newtown, and now the artist has produced a report, with several recommendations, which are currently under review."