The historic house and grounds have been open to the public since Monday 22 June 2011 and already the feedback from local people has been great, especially to what’s on offer at the new Orchid House tearoom and café.

Blaenau Gwent Mayor Councillor Mike Bartlett and Executive Member for Leisure and Culture Councillor Jason Owen unveiled a plaque in the grand entrance foyer of the house to mark the official opening on Tuesday 23 August 2011.

They were joined by guests Blaenau Gwent Council Leader Des Hillman and Deputy Leader John Mason, Blaenau Gwent AM Alun Davies (Wales Deputy Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries, Food and European Programmes) and Dan Clayton Jones of the Heritage Lottery Fund. Representatives from the contractors John Weaver Ltd and architects Austin-Smith:Lord were also in attendance.

Councillor Jason Owen, Blaenau Gwent Council’s Executive Member for Leisure and Culture said: “The restoration of Bedwellty House and Park has been a real success story and a shining example of partnership work at its very best. The feedback we have had from local people and visitors has been great, especially about the catering at the new tearoom café which has gone down a storm."

“I would like to thank all our partners for making this exciting project possible and also the people of Tredegar for really getting involved in the planning of the restoration through public consultations and by taking part in several exhibitions for the community opening in June.”

Dan Clayton Jones, Chair of Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) in Wales, which invested nearly £3.6milion into the project, said: “It’s wonderful to see Bedwellty House and Park returned to its former glory and HLF is proud to have played a part in this. It is such an iconic building in Blaenau Gwent as it stands as a reminder of the area’s rich industrial past."

“Through the restoration of the building and park, and introduction of a new heritage centre complete with community archives, Bedwellty House is sure to become a hub for the local community and a magnet for visitors to the area."

“Young people, families and children will now be able to get actively involved in exploring the town’s history, helping to take what matters to them into the future.”

The Grade II listed Bedwellty House was restored to its former glory by Blaenau Gwent Council thanks to a funding partnership made up of the Heritage Lottery Fund, the