At the heart of the Amlwch Industrial Heritage Trust’s (AIHT) vision is the reuniting of our nationally significant copper mining collection with the dramatic landscape of Parys Mountain. We want the opportunity to create a purpose-built, permanent home for the Copper Kingdom where its story truly belongs.
A Landmark Destination
Our proposal focuses on the creation of a new Visitor and Learning Centre located by the existing Parys Mountain car park.. This project is designed as a “hub-and-spoke” model, serving as a central point that connects visitors to the wider 4,000-year history of the mountain. The development highlights three central themes: Cultural and Social Industrial Heritage, Geodiversity, and Biodiversity.
The building itself, designed by Redman Partnership LLP in consultation with Cadw, is a striking single-story structure. It utilizes inter-connected shipping containers, a design choice that serves as a deliberate nod to Amlwch’s industrial and maritime past. This flexible and sustainable space will contain:
- Immersive Exhibition Spaces: Showcasing the collection with views looking out over the landscape .
- A Modern Study Centre: For academic research and educational workshops.
- A Café and Gift Shop: Providing essential facilities for the mountain’s many visitors.
- External Viewing Platforms: Allowing guests to experience the “spirit of place”.
Enhancing the Heritage Trail
The vision extends far beyond the walls of the new centre. We are committed to improving access to the existing heritage trail to ensure a world-class visitor experience. This includes:
- Renovating the access platform for the Windmill (Wales’s only remaining five-sail windmill).
- Installing a new access platform at the Engine House.
- Updating heritage signage and incorporating the historic Precipitation Ponds into the site.
- Digital Integration: Using augmented reality to allow visitors to virtually explore underground tunnels and shafts.
A Catalyst for Regeneration
This project is a flagship initiative for the North Anglesey Economic Regeneration Action Plan. By establishing a landmark destination, we aim to support sustainable tourism and create new local employment and training opportunities in retail, customer service, and heritage management.
We are not building this alone. Our vision is supported by a wide array of partners, including Anglesey Mining Plc, The UNESCO Global Geopark (GeoMôn), and local schools. By collaborating with the community to co-design exhibition spaces, we are ensuring that the Copper Kingdom belongs to the people of Amlwch and the wider communities of Anglesey, both now and for future generations. Together, we are building a future that celebrates our unique industrial legacy while protecting the natural beauty of our island.
