### Questions Raised After £1.4 Million Merthyr Tydfil ‘Events Area’ Found Unsuitable for Large Gatherings
A newly redeveloped Merthyr Tydfil public space, billed as a community events area for the town centre, is facing scrutiny after it emerged that a weight restriction prevents it from hosting larger events. Costing £1.4 million and located on the former bus station site at Glebeland, the project was initially welcomed as a boost to local prospects, but has left some locals puzzled about its practical use.
The limitations came into focus in May, when the popular Chilli & Chocolate Festival had to take place at Penderyn Square— a smaller venue nearby. Many attendees noted that the event felt noticeably crowded and voiced confusion over why the more spacious and recently upgraded Glebeland site was not made available for the occasion.
Investigations reveal the reason lies in the type of surface used during the redevelopment. While aiming to improve the space with new paving and landscaping, planners introduced a weight limit that restricts access for heavier vehicles, including catering vans and equipment often needed for major public events. The issue has provoked debate locally about whether public money has been effectively spent.
A spokesperson for Merthyr Tydfil County Borough Council explained that the events area was always intended for “smaller-scale” uses and is subject to change as further development plans unfold in the town centre. The council maintains the addition suits community events, markets and pop-up stalls, but has not clarified when asked if the current limitations were always anticipated from the outset.
On social media, the choice of venue sparked widespread comment. While organisers received praise for their handling of the Chilli & Chocolate Festival amid the constraints, some town residents questioned why the new glebeland area wasn’t used, suggesting it offered a better location closer to the heart of the shopping district. “It could have helped link together the different spaces in town,” remarked one, echoing calls for cohesion and a more accessible event layout.
Penderyn Square, where such festivals are routinely held, continues to play a leading role in town events. Council representatives have confirmed it is Merthyr Tydfil’s “main event space,” while the newly finished Glebeland is being positioned as a secondary area for smaller activities that avoid the need for heavy equipment or site vehicles.
Council officials stated that an events plan for Glebeland is in preparation, one that will “bring footfall into the shopping centre and surrounding businesses and complement larger-scale festivals at Penderyn Square”. The future of the site remains subject to ongoing town centre redevelopment, with its current function being described as “the short to medium term”.
The transformation from the old bus station site faced delays due to issues including previously unknown utilities, ground contamination and surfacing problems that surfaced during the construction phase. The council, however, insists these setbacks have not compromised the standards of the completed scheme.
Glebeland, now open to the public, has become a popular spot for recreation and leisure. Responses from community and business surveys indicate strong support, with approximately 84% of residents and 83% of businesses speaking positively about its arrival. However, officials also concede that the landscaping and public seating further restrict opportunities for large events involving heavy infrastructure.
Elizabeth Bedford, who manages the Merthyr Business Improvement District and helped organise the Chilli & Chocolate Festival, said that the town remains fortunate to have access to Penderyn Square during this “period of transition”. She stated that, once preparations are finalised and the Glebeland site is deemed suitable for use, it would be fully considered for future events. In response to recent overcrowding, the festival footprint is being enlarged utilising additional space and closed roads to maintain safety and accessibility.
As the debate over event spaces continues, the Welsh Government, which helped fund the project, has been approached for further comment. Meanwhile, Merthyr residents and businesses await further clarification and improvements in the use of their new central events area, hoping that future developments will enhance both the practicality and appeal of community gatherings in the heart of the town.