28 August 2009

Glyn Rhonwy – Stage set for business success

A new initiative to release the economic potential of a prime Gwynedd development site has reached a crucial stage.

Following the adoption of a new strategy for the Glyn Rhonwy site near Llanberis, Gwynedd Council has been supporting the process of developing a range of sustainable projects for the site that will benefit both Llanberis and the wider community.

Since April 2009, the Council and its representatives have been working closely with a number of parties who are interested in developing parts of the site. Significant remediation work has now been completed on the lower section of the Glyn Rhonwy site. Improvements include re-grading waste tips, constructing road access and creating five development platforms ranging in size from 2,500 square metres to 6,300 square metres. In total, the site now offers 22,000 square metres of high quality space for development.

Councillor Dewi Lewis, Gwynedd Council’s Economy and Community Porfolio Leader said:

“With its excellent road links to the A55 expressway, unique setting and spectacular views of Snowdonia, Glyn Rhonwy offers an unique opportunity for the right investors and the potential to provide a massive economic boost for Gwynedd at this difficult time.

“Whilst formal marketing of this first class site remains at an early stage, the response from a number of high quality potential investors is already extremely encouraging with potential projects that are already being developed ranging from manufacturing to high quality leisure facilities, possible renewable energy schemes, and the use of the upper quarries for informal leisure uses.

“Some of these proposals are now at an advanced stage, and we are hopeful that we will be in a position to transfer ownership of parts of the site to some of these investors by the autumn.”

Councillor Trefor Edwards the local member for Llanberis added:

“The key to unlocking Glyn Rhonwy’s undoubted potential is to identify high quality partners with the vision, detailed plans and commitment to deliver projects which will benefit the local community.

“We are grateful to the Welsh Assembly Government for its support and assistance in progressing this important project, which will enable us to secure investment and jobs to the site for the benefit of the area.”

One of the companies which has entered into advanced negotiations about relocating to Glyn Rhonwy is Blizzard Protection Systems.  Using a process developed locally for thermal protection systems Blizzard have won international recognition for the quality and innovation of their products and are major suppliers to the United States Military. The company has recently secured the Queen’s Award for Enterprise: Innovation Award for 2009.

Derek Ryden, Managing Director of Blizzard Protection Systems added:

“Our business has grown rapidly and needs to expand further. We see Glyn Rhonwy as an ideal site to grow our business and enable us to stay in the local area.”

PHOTOGRAPHS:

1 – Jeff St Paul, project manager for Gwynedd Council; Councillor Trefor Edwards, Llanberis; Jill Taylor and Alan Stott from Blizzard; Llyr Jones from Gwynedd Council’s Economy and Community Department.

- Glyn Rhonwy is a complex of former quarries which operated from the end of the 18^th century up to 1930. The site was used by the Ministry of Defence during and immediately after the Second World War and one former quarry hole was used as a bomb store.

- The 225 acre site was acquired by the former Arfon Borough Council in 1983 and 15 acres was then acquired by Euro DPC (now Siemens) in 1985 to establish their headquarters for producing and distributing medical supplies.

- The remaining site is divided in two by the Clegir Road with 100 acres in the lower northern section and 125 acres in the higher southern section.

- Several phases of remediation have taken place on the lower section including the re-grading of some waste tips, construction of road access and the creation of five development platforms. These total 22,000 sq m and range in size from 2,500 sq m to 6,300 sq m. The provision of roadways and services means these platforms are now available to be marketed for employment use.

- The site has experienced a number of false dawns in efforts to achieve suitable development which would be of benefit to Glyn Rhonwy and the wider area. In 2007 and 2008 Gwynedd Council, with the assistance of the Welsh Assembly Government, undertook a comprehensive study of the site which culminated in the Glyn Rhonwy Development Plan and Implementation Strategy which was adopted by the Council in November 2008.  In essence, the strategy proposes a visionary and sustainable approach incorporating a mix of uses and with an emphasis on the outdoor pursuits sector. It is also a strong theme of the Strategy that the site should be a connected and complimentary part of the Llanberis community.