Gnoll Estate Country Park

Preserving the Past: Restoration of the Historic designated Grade II* Gnoll Park, Neath

Information about Gnoll Estate Country Park, including client Neath Port Talbot County Borough Council, a value of 12 million pounds, and a duration of 53 weeks.
A modern, minimalist building with large windows sits among trees by a water body. People are visible on the steps and terrace, with greenery surrounding the structure.
Aerial view of a construction site next to a playground and a river, surrounded by trees and a grassy park area.
Architectural rendering of two-story modern building in wooded area, featuring outdoor seating, stairs, and people walking and cycling nearby.
Aerial view of a river with a stone dam and wooden bridge surrounded by lush green trees.
Park with trees, pathway, playground, and modern building
A stone house under renovation with scaffolding, surrounded by trees and a green lawn with two benches, a curved pathway, and a clear blue sky.
Modern building with large windows surrounded by trees and a grassy landscape. People are walking towards the entrance, and there's outdoor seating on an upper deck. The sky is cloudy with scattered clouds.
An aerial view of a construction site on a building surrounded by trees, with construction workers, scaffolding, building materials, and a parked car visible.

The project has been carefully designed to enhance the facilities within Gnoll Park for regular visitors, while celebrating and preserving the park’s rich historic significance.

Key elements of the works include the demolition of the existing ageing visitor centre and the construction of a new, fully accessible, two-storey facility. The new visitor centre will feature a contemporary café with stunning south-facing balcony views across the lake, event, meeting and conference spaces, and a dedicated children’s soft play area. The existing adventure playground will be extended providing a destination attraction for children and families.

Further restoration works include the refurbishment and reopening of Pond Cottage, the consolidation and repair of the historic Gnoll House ruins, and the restoration of the park’s spectacular water cascades. Information and interpretation points will be installed throughout the site to highlight the park’s cultural and historical importance.

Enhancements to recreation and walking routes are planned, including the construction of a new bridge linking the park to the adjacent Brynau Farm, a 57-hectare Woodland Trust site known for its rich wildlife and rolling landscapes. The transformational project will also deliver wider landscaping, parking, and infrastructure improvements, ensuring the park remains a cherished destination for generations to come.