A four month detailed design process for improving Blaenau Ffestiniog’s town centre is underway with the aim of submitting formal planning applications in May.
Gwynedd Council, in partnership with local regeneration group “Blaenau Ymlaen” and the Welsh Assembly Government, have commissioned Miller Research to develop upon the concepts identified in 2009.
The aim of the work it to create a vibrant shopping street, as well as creating a distinctive visitor destination. So far residents’ opinions have given clear steer to the town centre work with people clearly stating that plans should be based on the area’s unique traditions and heritage.
Eifion Williams from Blaenau Ymlaen said: “We want to realise a massive potential in Blaenau that we all believe exists by rooting the plans firmly in the history and culture of Blaenau Ffestiniog.”
The £4.5m regeneration project –funded by the European Regional Development Fund, Welsh Assembly Government and Gwynedd Council – was given the green light in November.
Pryderi ap Rhisiart, Gwynedd Council’s Regeneration Officer for Ffestiniog and Eifionydd said: “This important project is centred around putting Blaenau Ffestiniog back on the map, and ensuring that the town is a great place to live and to visit. Now that the money to deliver the project is in place we hope that we can move on with the plans and make a real difference.”
Councillor Gwilym Euros Roberts, the local ward member for Diffwys & Maenofferen (Blaenau Ffestiniog) on Gwynedd Council added: “I genuinely believe that this is the first step towards the economic revival of Blaenau. These concepts were warmly welcomed by local residents during the consultation in 2009 and I look forward to seeing them being turned from a vision into reality.”
Gwynedd Council’s Portfolio Leader for the Economy and Community, Councillor Dewi Lewis noted: “Blaenau Ffestiniog is renowned for its rich culture, strong sense of community and dramatic scenery. By securing a £4.5 million regeneration boost for the town, we can move forward in protecting these key elements of Blaenau’s character, and maximise the area’s potential by using its most important assets – its people, language and landscape.”
To find out more on the town centre improvement project please phone 01766 512499 where you can speak to a member of the project team or visit the project web-site at www.gwynedd.gov.uk/blaenauymlaen
