Montgomeryshire Assembly Member, Russell George, has said a meeting with the Welsh Culture Minister regarding the Owain Glyndwr centre was ‘a positive step forward’ to ensure its long-term future.
Mr George met with John Griffiths AM this week (10th December) to discuss the centre’s future, following a plea to the Minister in the National Assembly for the Welsh Government to take more proactive action.
Commenting, Mr George said:
“I believe the Welsh Government, along with CADW, do have a leadership role to play here because of the historic importance of the parliament building, not just for the people of Machynlleth but for the whole of Wales, and I was pleased the Minister accepted that in our meeting.
“The Minister also seemed conscious that he didn’t want to impose a top-down solution on the community but would rather work closely with it and hear local views on how a self-sustaining financial position can be achieved.
“One of the action points from the meeting was the proposal to set up a Steering Group, involving local organisations and individuals, who will bring the necessary skills, knowledge and expertise to the table, in order to find a viable, long-term solution for this historic building.
“He is also willing to provide government resource to assist that process particularly through the expertise of CADW and Welsh Government officials, who could potentially broker meetings with organisations like the Heritage Lottery Fund, who will be key partners in this resolution process.
“While there is still a way to go to ensure the future of the building is secure, this meeting was a positive step forward.”