You can now download a free ebook packed with information about how Cwmbran New Town led the way in an “important phase in UK post-war town planning.”
Cwmbrân New Town: An Urban Characterisation Study has been written by Susan Fielding, who works for the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales.
Earlier this week she did an online talk- Cwmbrân: ‘Where the Future is Happening Now- about her study and new book. If you missed it, scroll down and you can watch it again.
What is the ebook about?
Cwmbrân is the only Mark I New Town in Wales and, as such, is both a fascinating and significant town representing an important phase in UK post-war town planning. The purpose of this study is to identify the character of the New Town; to provide an outline history of each neighbourhood, together with an overview of its character; and to highlight aspects of buildings and landscape dating from the New Town development which are both worthy of more detailed research and recording, and of consideration for preservation and conservation. The report is designed to inform a considered approach to planning future development which respects and acknowledges the qualities of the New Town, its historical background and heritage, and its physical environment and context. It is hoped that it will form a basis for further study and is intended to be a starting point for future investigation of, and discussion around, the place of Cwmbrân in the built heritage of Wales.
Watch Susan Fielding’s talk
Click the play button to watch the talk by Susan Fielding
Contents of the book on Cwmbran
- Crynodeb Cymraeg (Welsh Summary)
- Introduction
- Purpose and Aims of the Study
- Cwmbrân: Location and etymology
- Historical Background
- Prehistoric to Post medieval background
- The impact of the Industrial Revolution
- Topography and Landscape
- The New Town
- The New Town Plan
- The development and modification of the new town plan
- What was not built at Cwmbrân
- The end of the new town corporation
- The Character of Building
- Historic buildings
- Civic buildings
- Commercial Buildings
- Education
- Health
- Housing
- Industrial buildings
- Public and Recreational buildings
- Religious Buildings
- Transport buildings and structures
- Open Spaces and Public Art
- Central and Local Areas
- The Town Centre
- Pontnewydd
- Northville and Southville
- Croesyceiliog
- Llanyravon (‘Croesyceiliog South’)
- Oakfield
- Fairwater
- St Dials (including Old Cwmbrân)
- Coedeva (including Two Locks)
- Greenmeadow
- Thornhill
- Hollybush
- Maes-y-rhiw
- Henllys Expansion Area: Henllys and Tŷ Canol
- Ty Coch
- Statement of significance
- Context
- Essential Characteristics of Cwmbrân New Town
- Significant Assets and Recommendation for Further Study
- Conclusion
- Acknowledgements
- List of Images
- Appendix I: Listed Buildings within the Designated Area
- Appendix II: Llantarnam Grange: Gazetteer of monastic landscape features from Proctor, 2019
- Appendix III: List of NPRNs for historic assets in Cwmbrân
- Bibliography
- Endnotes
Download your copy
Click here to download your copy from the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales’ website.