13 Nov 2008

Bluefield Caernarfon Ltd holds a public consolation on what to do with the Ferodo site

All seemed to be set in stone, Caernarfon (we're told) "want" a prison at the old Ferodo site. Well that's what the media and local MP's / councillors would have us believe.

Yet many of you have emailed Caernarfon Online to tell us of your concerns about the negative impact the prison would have on our life here in Caernarfon.

The people in power seem to think they can pull the wool over your eyes about "how good this would be to our economy". But what about house prices and the detrimental effect it will have on us locals, not to mention the migration which will obviously follow?

And what about the hoards of English only speaking people settling in Caernarfon because of the prison, the staff and officers who will be drafted in to work and then move into town. What about the prisoners when they are released? Will they all be totally reformed characters and blend into our society?

Gwynedd might be in financial difficulties in more ways an one but surely this isn't the answer?

So what of Bluefield Caernarfon Ltd?

Well, they are the people who now own the Ferodo site. An asbestos contaminated site which Mr Craig Smith (Former Friction Dynamics owner) cleverly got shot of after the longest industrial action in our history.

This week Bluefield Caernarfon holds a three day exhibition and public consultation in Pool Street Caernarfon. The consultation will allow locals to ask questions about their three new options and what Bluefield think is the best options for developing Caernarfon.

Garry Goodman the company's Planning Director is on record as saying that the only viable way of developing the site is by means of a mixed-use redevelopment scheme.

We, at Caernarfon Online tend to agree, but now you have a chance to have your say. Gareth Edwards Editor of Caernarfon Online visited the Bluefield Caernarfon exhibition today and found the people there to be very helpful and ready to answer any questions, no matter how leading they were. We strongly urge you to go and we promise you will have a warm welcome by the team there. When we visited, the shop was full and we were told it had been the same all morning. This is a clear indication that locals are concerned and if you have concerns about the  Prison, then  they also provide you with details on how you  can email he justice dept with your concerns.

You have your chance to give your view by email or by visiting the Pool Street Exhibition anytime before the weekend ends.

Download a form to give your views.  FORM E-mail it to gwyb@glanyfenai.co.uk

Here are the options.

Option 1

Leisure Led Regeneration

This option includes approximately 1 hectare of commercial or employment development (such as small industrial or business units), 8 hectares of tourist / leisure accommodation (such as a holiday park or hotel), 1 hectare for the on-site heat and power facility (which will provide electricity and heat for the whole site), with some 8 hectares retained for public open space and woodland areas.

Concept Plan Option1.pdf

Option 2

Residential Led Regeneration

This option includes approximately 1 hectare of commercial or employment development (such as small industrial or business units), 2 hectares for a district centre (which may include a supermarket, shops, pub, restaurant, a community centre and car parking), 1 hectare for the on-site heat and power facility (which will provide electricity and heat for the whole site), 6 hectares of residential development (including a mix and range of accommodation from starter units, family homes and affordable housing), with some 8 hectares retained for public open space and woodland areas.

Concept Plan Option2.

Option 3

Residential/Retirement Home Led Regeneration

This option includes approximately 1 hectare of commercial or employment development (such as small industrial or business units), 1 hectare for a local centre (which may include shops, pub, restaurant, a community centre and car parking), 2 hectares for a retirement village (which may include a care home and accommodation for the elderly), 1 hectare for the on-site heat and power facility (which will provide electricity and heat for the whole site), 5 hectares of residential development (including a mix and range of accommodation from starter units, family homes and affordable housing), with some 8 hectares retained for public open space and woodland areas.

Concept Plan Option3.pdf

REGENERATION SCHEME, FORMER FERODO SITE, CAERNARFON

CONSULTATION EXHIBITION 13–15 NOVEMBER 2008

Venue: 23 Pool Street, Caernarfon

Date and Time:
Thursday 13 November 2008 – 10am – 7pm
Friday 14 November 2008 – 10am – 7pm
Saturday 15 November 2008 – 10am – 2pm

Glan y Fenai Regeneration Strategy

Bluefield Caernarfon Limited want to hear your views on the regeneration of the former Ferodo site for a mixed-use development scheme including commercial, residential, retail, leisure and recreational uses.

We have prepared a series of development option plans which are presented for your views and comments.

Your views will be taken into account and incorporated within a Development Brief which is being prepared in conjunction with Gwynedd Council. The Development Brief will set out several options for the regeneration of the site in advance of the submission of a planning application which it is anticipated will be submitted early in 2009.

Bluefield Caernarfon Limited are committed to transforming the site to the benefit of the area and the wider community.

Your views are an important part of the regeneration process and we are keen to find out what you think about our plans.

Please take the opportunity to look through the different options for the regenerations by clicking on the relevant tabs. We would then like you to download the questionnaire and email your completed forms to: gwyb@glanyfenai.co.uk

It is our view that the only viable way to regenerate the site is by means of a mixed use re-development scheme. The remediation of the existing contamination is costly and will not be done by the public sector including the Welsh Assembly Government. We are seeking, therefore, to establish your views on the re-development of the site for a mixed-use scheme including commercial, residential, retail, leisure and recreational uses. We have prepared a series of three development option plans which are presented below for your views and comments.

The main aim of the options is to regenerate the site to the benefit of the area and the wider community. We believe that these options make the best use of the opportunities the site offers whilst also taking into account the constraints of the land, including the areas of contamination.

This consultation process is completely independent to the Ministry of Justice who are currently considering the potential for a new prison in north Wales. Whilst the former Ferodo Site is on the shortlist for consideration by the Ministry of Justice, a decision is not expected until later this year.