It will be all go at Blaenau Ffestiniog over the next few weeks as work gets under way on the much anticipated project to bring improvements to the town centre. Following a tendering process over the summer months Balfour Beatty have been appointed to undertake the work on the ambitious project.
The project – which is funded by Gwynedd Council, European structural funds and the Welsh Government – aims to create a vibrant shopping area as well as developing the town as an important visitor attraction. Local opinion has been vital to the process, and has given a clear steer to the town centre work. Local people noted that they wanted the work to reflect the town’s unique traditions and identity, and as seen, this has been reflected in the plans.
Steve Jones, the project manager for Balfour Beatty said: “We are looking forward to starting the work in Blaenau Ffestiniog. The scheme has been developed over a number of years and it is a pleasure to be at the heart of delivering this vision for the town.”
“Developing this scheme has been a long process, we’ve consulted, secured funding and developed detailed designs and it will be great to see the plans being realised in the coming weeks,” said Bob Cole, chair of the Blaenau Ymlaen Strategic Group.
Gwynedd Council’s Economy and Community Portfolio Leader, Councillor John Wynn Jones, added: “I praise 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.”
Balfour Beatty will be holding a ‘meet the buyer’ event on 23 November to discuss the possibilities for smaller, local companies to be involved in the project. Councillor Paul Thomas, who represents Bowydd a Rhiw on Gwynedd Council said: “This is a great opportunity for companies to make contact with Balfour Beatty. I would encourage local businesses to contact Gwynedd Council if they’re eager to attend the event.”
Llyr Jones, Senior Manager in the Economy and Communities Department in Gwynedd Council added: “We’ve included social clauses within the contracts to ensure that there are opportunities for local people to secure work. Six people will be placed on training schemes and a number of smaller companies have secured work as well.”
Plans will be shown at the Noson Goleuo ’Stiniog event, which will be held on 1 December. To view the plans online, visit: www.gwynedd.gov.uk/blaenauymlaen
If you’re eager to learn more about the ‘meet the buyer’ event, or any other aspect of the project, then contact [email protected] or alternatively call 01766 512499.
