An £18.8 million investment from the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund is set to bring a wave of transformation to the communities within Gwynedd’s World Heritage slate landscape. This significant grant, awarded in January 2023 as part of Round 2 of the Levelling Up Fund, aims to revitalize historically overlooked areas, create employment opportunities, and stimulate economic growth.
Wales Office Minister, James Davies, recently visited the National Slate Museum and Parc Padarn in Llanberis to gain insights into the ambitious plans fueled by a portion of the £18.8 million funding. Among the initiatives, the redevelopment of buildings at the museum and the enhancement of the surrounding park environment are key focal points. The Minister also visited the Ty’n Llan pub in Llandwrog, which is poised to become a thriving community hub thanks to an additional £500,000 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
The funding for Gwynedd isn’t confined to the Slate Museum alone. It encompasses a diverse array of projects, including the establishment of a new heritage center in Bethesda, improvements to the Bethesda concert hall Neuadd Ogwen, the creation of a walking and cycling path linking Bethesda with Chwarel Penrhyn quarry, significant enhancements to Blaenau Ffestiniog town center, and the construction of a new walking and cycling path connecting Blaenau Ffestiniog with Chwarel Llechwedd quarry.
Minister James Davies highlighted the significance of this investment, stating, “The £19 million in leveling up money allocated to separate projects in Gwynedd is a hugely significant investment in our communities.” These efforts are in harmony with the overarching goal of bolstering the Welsh economy and promoting fair development throughout the country.
Councillor Nia Jeffreys, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for the Economy and Communities at Cyngor Gwynedd, expressed the council’s enthusiasm for the “Llewyrch o’r Llechi” scheme, lauding the financial support from the Levelling Up Fund. The scheme celebrates the historical and cultural significance of slate-producing communities, preserving their legacy and facilitating growth through various planned initiatives.
The Chair of the Wales Slate Partnership Steering Group, Lord Dafydd Wigley, echoed this sentiment, underscoring the commitment to leveraging the region’s industrial past to shape a prosperous future. He emphasized the intention to create fresh opportunities for both contemporary communities and businesses in Gwynedd.
The investment isn’t confined to physical infrastructure alone. Phil Bushby, Director of Corporate Resources at Amgueddfa Cymru – Museum Wales, expressed excitement about the opportunities brought forth by the Levelling Up Funding. It will facilitate the conservation and renovation of Grade 1 listed buildings at the National Slate Museum, enabling it to serve as a hub for interpreting the slate landscape of Northwest Wales. Additionally, the development will encourage engagement with local communities and visitors through storytelling, traditional craft skills, learning, and well-being initiatives.
With the UK Government’s Levelling Up Fund having allocated over £3.8 billion to projects across the UK through two rounds in 2021, and Wales receiving more than £329 million of this funding, there’s clear commitment to the nation’s growth. The prospect of a further round of the Levelling Up Fund promises continued opportunities for progress across the UK.
In a parallel endeavor, Minister James Davies visited the Ty’n Llan pub in Llandwrog, Gwynedd, which, thanks to prior funding from the Community Ownership Fund, had been revived by dedicated community volunteers. This week, news of an additional £500,000 grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund marks a significant step forward for the pub. The funding will facilitate the construction of a professional kitchen and the creation of new rooms, further solidifying the pub’s role as a thriving community asset.
Source: Gov[Dot]UK
