The Copper Kingdom, located on the Wales Coastal Path, is set to become a major visitor attraction for the area, with locals, walkers and tourists looking to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Anglesey coast while discovering more about the area’s history and internationally significant archaeology of Parys Mountain.

The centre, which has been developed by Menter Môn in association with the Amlwch Heritage Trust, is part of a major project to preserve and promote industrial, social and environmental heritage of Mynydd Parys and north eastern Anglesey.

The new attraction means that for the first time the links between the spectacular Parys Mountain, the town and the port will be clear to see. The centre has been built on the site of the old Copper Bins, where copper was stored on the quayside before being loaded onto ships at Port Amlwch for export all over the world.

The interpretative exhibition provides an insight into copper mining in Amlwch, which dates back to the Bronze Age and how the wealth created by the industry shaped the area. It features the mine owners, the workers and the famous copper ladies.

An estimated 15,000 people are expected to visit the centre in its first year, which has created two new jobs.

The project is one of 24 to benefit from Cadw’s Heritage Tourism Project which is backed with European funding through the Welsh Government. Cadw invested £94,000 into the project with additional £460,000 from the Môn a Menai programme.   Huw Lewis AM, Minister for Housing, Regeneration and Heritage, said:  “Tourism is an extremely important contributor to the Welsh economy and Wales’ striking and diverse historic environment is the reason many visitors come to Wales.  I’m pleased that we have been able to offer this substantial funding towards this scheme.”

Heritage Lottery Fund also supported the project with a grant of £497,000 to help conserve significant structures on the Mountain, develop a heritage trail, provide traditional skills training for local people and create innovative IT facilities to link the mountain with the Visitor Centre. Dr. Rhian Thomas, HLF Committee Member for Wales, added: “Our rich industrial past is an important part of Wales’ heritage that is waiting to be explored. This fantastic new centre and the new methods of interpretation will allow visitors to take a step back in time and experience our country’s unique history, all in the beautiful surroundings of the Anglesey Coast.”

Neil Johnstone, Heritage Manager at Menter Môn, said: “We hope to welcome thousands of local people and holidaymakers to this exciting new attraction. This innovative project will be an enjoyable way for visitors to explore the industrial heritage of the now tranquil port of Amlwch.”

The new centre is open daily (except Mondays) from 10.30 am until 5.00pm until the end of October 2012.

Further information
For further information please contact Kate Sullivan or Helen Newton on 029 2076 4100.