Rhondda Cynon Taf (RCT) County Borough Council's bid to restore one of Wales' largest lidos in Pontypridd, have secured the backing of the Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF).

The local authority has received £75,000 of development funding to help progress its plans for the £3.6m project, which aims to bring the Grade II-listed complex at Ynysangharad Park back into use. First opened in 1927, the lido boasts a swimming pool, bath gallery and changing rooms. Despite accommodating 1,000 people during its heyday, it fell into decline during the 1980s and shut in 1991.

RCT councillors are hoping to secure a full grant of £2.1m from the HLF towards the redevelopment of the lido, which is believed to be one of the last remaining listed structures of its kind in Wales. Robert Bevan, the council's cabinet member for culture, recreation and tourism, said: "This funding will allow the council to further explore the feasibility of the scheme and the regeneration opportunities this important site could present."

Dan Clayton Jones, chair of the HLF Committee for Wales, added: "Not only will this project reopen the lido complex to the local community and visitors alike to enjoy, it will also provide opportunities for people to learn about the rich local heritage." Meanwhile, the HLF is expected to announce details of confirmed grants totalling £15m for a range of UK schemes early next week.

Image (from left): HLF committee member Carys Howell; Pontypridd MP Owen Smith; Robert Bevan; Welsh environment minister Jane Davidson; and Dan Clayton Jones