It will be all go at Blaenau Ffestiniog over the next month as work starts on two exciting and much anticipated projects, which will bring a massive boost to the town.
On 20 September work will start on a cycling project which has been developed by the Antur Stiniog community group. The aim of the scheme is to develop four down hill bike trails at the Llechwedd site, a cycle route around Tanygrisiau lake and a cycling centre.
This important milestone has been reached following four years of detailed preparation work by local people to develop a healthy outdoor visitor attraction which will be sustainable and will be for the use of local people as well as tourists, will create work and will boost the local area.
Hefin Hamer, Chairman of Antur Stiniog, said that the links between the cycling attractions and the town are essential.
He said: “It’s vital that the town takes advantage of these developments. The attraction at Llechwedd alone will draw in more than 20,000 visitors annually.
“Local reaction in the town has been very positive and by now everyone involved is very eager to see the new centre up and running.
The Ffestiniog project is part of Gwynedd Council’s Eryri Centre of Excellence package which has seen £4 million of investment earmarked for the local outdoor activity industry. It is part funded by the EU’s Convergence Programme European Regional Development Fund through Visit Wales and the Welsh Government.
Sion Roberts of GH James Ltd, which has been awarded the contract to build the uplift road, said: “After all the hard work over the years by Antur Stiniog we are delighted to see these ambitious plans for Blaenau Ffestiniog completed. GH James Ltd is proud to have secured the Ffordd Cribau contract.
“As a local company we see that Antur Stiniog’s plans are giving local people and businesses new and exciting opportunities.”
The ‘Drum House’ festival will be held on 1 October at Llechwedd to celebrate that Antur Stiniog will have started the groundwork for the project.
Rhys Roberts of CELL has organised the event. He said: “Everyone is really looking forward to seeing the work start and the festival will be a fitting way to mark this. There will be world-famous reggae bands taking part and we hope that people from near and far will be able to join us in the celebrations.”
There is a second cause for celebration in Bleanau – work is due to start on the Blaenau Ffestiniog town regeneration project in the autumn, thanks to the preparation work of the Blaenau Ymlaen community group since 2007.
The project, which is funded by European structural funds, is aimed at creating a vibrant shopping area as well as developing the town as an important visitor attraction. Local opinions have given a clear steer to the work, with local people saying they want the work to reflect the town’s traditions and identity.
Local member, Councillor Paul Thomas, said: “It has been a long process to develop these plans, find the funding and to talk to the local community but over the coming weeks the work will finally start and the many hours of discussion and planning will bare fruit.”
Councillor Dyfed Edwards, leader of Gwynedd Council, added: “I am aware of the hard work and devotion shown by the local community at Ffestiniog to the regeneration plans over the years and it’s wonderful to hear that the physical work is now starting.”
