Animal Wall restoration welcomed
The funding will provide a boost to the final stages of the restoration project of Cardiff Castle which has been ongoing for over ten years.
Mr Brennan is a former Canton Councillor and during that period was the Chair of the Castle sub-committee that originally secured lottery funding for the restoration of the castle.
“When I was in charge of the Castle sub-committee we managed to get funding from the Lottery to restore the castle to its former glory," said Kevin.
“The Castle’s animal wall is a unique attraction and adds to the charm and history of our capital city.
“Even in its current state it still attracts considerable attention from visitors and tourists but a fully restored animal wall will certainly become a major jewel in Cardiff’s crown once again.”
Rhodri Morgan added, "This grant from the Labour-led Welsh Assembly Government will help fund the final stages of the Castle restoration project," he said.
“As far as I’m aware, there is no intention for the animals to be repainted in their original naturalistic colours, but the work will include replacing the anteater’s missing nose and the glass eyes of many of the beasts.
“For people like me who grew up in Cardiff, the sight of the lifelike animals with their glinting eyes perched on the walls of the Castle, as if about to escape and prowl the city, inspired many a day-dream.
"The walk into town past these magical creatures really was the Cardiff equivalent of a day out at Bristol Zoo, at a fraction of the cost!
“I very much hope a blue plaque is included on the finished wall, to tell the story behind the animals and to commemorate William Burges who designed the wall and his former deputy William Frame who completed it after Burges’ sudden death in 1881.
"The Animal Wall is of huge importance to the people of Cardiff and the thousands of visitors who flock to the city to marvel at it each year.
"This Assembly Government investment will help ensure that it can be enjoyed by generations to come."
