A PROJECT aimed at capitalising on the Elan Valley’s half a million annual visitors has finally been launched after a painstaking process.

TimeScape Rhayader, a brand-new visitor attraction, opened in the town on Thursday, May 23.

TimeScape Rhayader is billed as an all-weather heritage and arts attraction showcasing Mid Wales and its unique place in Welsh history.

The venue includes an atmospheric dragon’s cave, accessible through a crawl-through tunnel, a magic i-sandbox, where children can explore and create landscapes and see dinosaurs in their natural habitat; while the old Rhayader Folk Museum collections come alive in new and innovative ways.

The project has been in development since lockdown, with a dedicated and skilled project team burning the midnight oil in preparation for this week’s opening.

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Community Arts Rhayader And District (CARAD) Trustee Peter Cox said the aim of the project is to enhance the Rhayader visitor experience. “TimeScape Rhayader aims to help CARAD become more sustainable and to grow tourism in Rhayader itself – capitalising on the half a million visitors who come to explore the Elan Valley each year,” said Peter.

“We can’t wait to welcome visitors. We’re immensely proud of what we’ve created and want to share it with as many people as possible.

“When we ran some preview tours the visitor responses were fantastic and so encouraging.”

Cath Allan, CARAD co-director and creative lead on TimeScape Rhayader, said: “We’re passionate believers in the power of creativity and heritage to bring people together in shared endeavours, and to inspire individuals to push themselves beyond their comfort zones. 

“This project has involved Rhayader’s community at every stage of its development, with over 100 volunteers giving thousands of hours of their time.

“It’s a brilliant effort and an exceptional achievement. Together we’ve created an ambitious and inspiring all-weather heritage and arts attraction that showcases Mid Wales and its unique place in Welsh history and on the world stage.”

Cath added: “This new attraction will suit all ages. Included within lots of fascinating new installations is a wonderfully atmospheric dragon’s cave, also accessible through a crawl-through tunnel (children or those with good knees only) which features CARAD’s giant copper dragon sculpture, Queen Belrenin. 

“A host of other new installations explore the area’s fascinating stories from our community today as well as those who lived here before.

“We explore the unique landscapes, folklore and beliefs which shaped our communities.

“Our new digital displays include a magic i-sandbox, where children can explore and create landscapes and see dinosaurs in their natural habitat.

“There’s even a digital reconstruction of the Roman marching camp at Esgair Perfedd and Cwm Elan Mine.”

CARAD co-director Krysia Bass said: “We’ve created a unique, immersive environment that incorporates the old Rhayader Folk Museum collections.

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“Some items now on display haven’t been seen for over 50 years and others have never been seen by the public at all.”

The launch of the project had been made possible thanks to the support of key funders the Welsh Government, Elan Links HLF Landscape Scheme, Powys County Council, Rhayader Town Council, Art Fund, Community Foundation Wales, the Ashley Family Foundation, the Oakdale Trust and the Llysdinam Trust.

Opening hours from May 30 are: Thursday-Saturday 10.30am-4pm (last entry 3.30pm). Ticket prices are: Adults £ 6, children (under 16) £0.01. There will be several ‘no pay’ days a year for local people.

Visit CARAD/ TimeScape Rhayader on East Street. For more information, call 07729 478021, email all@carad.org.uk or visit carad.org.uk.