Fairwater, Torfaen Explained

Country:Wales
Welsh Name:Fairwater
Constituency Welsh Assembly:Torfaen
Static Image Name:Fairwater Primary School, Henllys Way, Cwmbran - geograph.org.uk - 398305.jpg
Static Image Width:250
Static Image Caption:Fairwater Primary School
Official Name:Fairwater
Area Total Km2:5.24
Population:11,632
Population Ref:(2011)
Community Wales:Fairwater
Unitary Wales:Torfaen
Lieutenancy Wales:Gwent
Constituency Westminster:Torfaen
Post Town:CWMBRAN
Postcode District:NP44
Postcode Area:NP
Dial Code:01633
Coordinates:51.6446°N -3.0477°W
Os Grid Reference:ST 276 945

Fairwater is a community and suburb of Cwmbran in the county borough of Torfaen, in south east Wales, and was built by the Cwmbran Development Corporation between 1963 and 1966.

Development

Cwmbran was the only new town in Wales designated by the New Towns Act 1946. Cwmbran Development Corporation was formed in 1949 to develop the new town and building of seven new residential areas (Coed Eva, Croesyceiliog North and South, Greenmeadow, Oakfield, Pontnewydd, and St Dials) began in 1951, later followed by Llanyrafon.

By 1962, when Gordon Redfern took over as chief architect of the corporation, the increased use of cars had to be accommodated in the layout of further housing estates, and Redfern adopted the Radburn system, used most rigidly in Fairwater (built between 1963 and 1966).

Notable buildings

The remains of Llanderfel Chapel, a medieval chapel important as a stopping point on a pilgrims' route to Penrhys, are in Fairwater. The pilgrim route is now part of the modern long distance Cistercian Way footpath. The remains are a scheduled monument.

Near the site of the chapel is Llanderfel Farm, a 16th-17th century Grade II listed building. Also nearby is Ty'r Ywen Farmhouse and barn which are both 17th century Grade II listed buildings.

Education

There are three primary (infant and junior) schools in Fairwater community:

Cwmbran High (one of two secondary schools in Cwmbran, the other is Croesyceiliog School) is also located in Fairwater.

Governance

The community of Fairwater also includes the estates of Coed Eva, Greenmeadow, and Ty Canol, and includes three electoral wards for Torfaen County Borough Council: