£4.5m Scheme To Regenerate Wales Iconic Town Of Blaenau Ffestiniog

A £4.5m scheme to revitalise Blaenau Ffestiniog putting the iconic town on the map and boosting the local economy has been announced by Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones.

The funding will help breathe new life into the North Wales town through a series of renewal schemes outlined in the Blaenau Ymlaen Regeneration Strategy – a blueprint for the town’s redevelopment – developed in partnership with Blaenau Ymlaen, Gwynedd County Council and the Welsh Assembly Government.

With this latest project announcement in North Wales, the region is benefiting from a total investment of over £1.5 billion (EU funds over £750m) through the 2007-2013 Structural Funds programmes.

As part of the Blaenau Ffestinog scheme Church Street and High Street will undergo a transformation with improvements being made to shop fronts and commercial properties as well as new street furniture and public art in keeping with the rich history, heritage and culture of the town.

There will also be a makeover of Diffwys Square, the train station area and improvements to the town’s Western gateway, including lighting up the quarry incline, Gloddfa Ganol, creating an eye catching zig zag design across the landscape and an appealing destination for visitors.

The scheme is backed by with more than £3m from the Convergence European Regional Development Fund and over £1m from the Welsh Assembly Government with additional funding from Gwynedd County Council and the private sector.

Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones, said:

“This scheme will develop Blaenau Ffestiniog as a place where businesses want to invest, tourists want to visit and where the local community has renewed pride and confidence.

“By creating the right environment for business, attracting investment and building a quality destination, linking together the key attractions of the town is vital to develop the economic prosperity of the town and its residents.”

The scheme will support an enterprise stimulus package that has been developed by the partnership to provide advice and support to new businesses wishing to set up in the town.

Other aspects of the scheme include new signage throughout the centre including the town’s gateway.

The scheme will make use of local products and services to undertake the renewal work, supporting businesses in the region as well as reducing the environmental impact.

Councillor Dewi Lewis, who leads on the Economy at Gwynedd County Council said:

“This financial boost from the Assembly Government is great news for the town of Blaenau Ffestiniog and will enable us to move forward with the regeneration plans for the town.  Our priority for now will be to work with the local community to ensure that Blaenau Ffestiniog can make the most of this investment.”

Bob Cole, Blaenau Ymlaen Chairman said:

“We are delighted to receive this funding, and this is a great example of what can be achieved when local residents, the Council and the Assembly work together. We now look forwards to seeing the work developing over the next few years, and strongly believe that this will spur further investment in the town.”

For further information visit Gwynedd Council’s website.

Topics: community revitalization, Convergence European Regional Development Fund, economic prosperity, economic revitalization, Economy, funding scheme, Governance, heritage, investment, Wales, Welsh Assembly Government

 Print This Article in Plain Text

Latest Headlines

• President Obama Signs Hire Act Jobs Bill
• Congress To Vote On Final Health Insurance Reform Legislation
• President Obama Hosts Taoiseach Of Ireland Brian Cowen
• Edinburgh Council Steps Up To Communal Stair Security
• White House Highlights U.S. Chamber Of Commerce Fights Financial Reform
• Cancer Patients In Edinburgh To Receive Benefits And Grants To Cope With Financial Burden
• White House: Without Health Care Reform Expect Premiums To Skyrocket
• Edinburgh To Begin Search To Replace 3 Top Council Members Who Are Retiring
• Creative Scotland Moves Home Base To Edinburgh
• UK Releases Health Care Statistics On Referral To Treatment Services “RTT”
• Illinois Moves Primary Election From February To March
• Nissan Brings The Leaf To UK Creating 550 Jobs
• UK Government Boost Funding For Disabled Children
• New York Governor Proposes To Cap State Spending And Property Taxes
• Florida Looks To Increase Business Investments For Port Projects

In The News

U.S. Loan Modification Program Still Not Working Smoothly

New data released Friday shows that

Nova Scotia Celebrates Local Culture And Heritage With Pictou Landing Powwow

On behalf of the Honourable James

Canada Announces Funding For The 147th Antigonish Highland Games

On behalf of the Honourable James

Canada Expanding Trade Relations With South Africa

The Honourable Peter Van Loan, Minister

Scotland To Create Confidential Helpline For Men Being Abused

A new service is being set