£40m bid to invest in Bangor city centre regeneration

BANGOR Councillors have welcomed news that Gwynedd Council’s cabinet has rubber stamped a £40 million bid to invest in a Bangor city centre regeneration programme.

The cabinet has also agreed two other projects as part of the UK Government’s Levelling Up funding applications. Ardudwy Green Corridor Scheme, a road infrastructure at Llanbedr and green credentials travelling system and Llewyrch o’r Llechi, cultural projects associated with the slate valleys of Gwynedd.

The aim of the fund is to invest in local, visual and good quality infrastructure schemes within transport, regeneration and town centres together with cultural investment

Targeting the Levelling Up Fund, Bywiogi Bangor’s innovative plans include developing a new health and well-being centre in the city centre.

It also included environmental improvements in Bae Hirael linked to the coastal defence work and active travel links between Bae Hirael, Porth Penrhyn and the city centre.

The project also looks to develop the first phase of the North Wales Medical School in Bangor University’s buildings on Dean Street.

Canol Bangor’s Gwynedd Councillors Medwyn Hughes and Huw Wyn Jones are delighted that the application for funds has been agreed by Gwynedd Council’s Plaid Cymru cabinet.

Cllr Medwyn Hughes said:

“There is a lot of great work going on in Bangor, but like many other towns and cities, we have seen a deterioration in the city centre accelerated by the aftermath of COVID-19.

“This financial investment would go a long way in re-invigorating parts of Bangor and bring in more activity, employment and support systems for local people.

Cllr Huw Wyn Jones added:

“Working in partnership always has its benefits, and I’m pleased that the main players for this area Gwynedd Council, Welsh Government, Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board, Grŵp Llandrillo Menai and Bangor University are working as one on this financial bid.

“Gwynedd has now moved into the Government’s priority category one, giving this bid a better chance of success against many other Levelling Up applications across the UK.

“I am pleased for the residents of Bangor that Gwynedd has created this transport, town centre, regeneration and cultural funding application. We’re crossing our fingers!”

The work of further developing the schemes will continue apace and a decision by the UK Government on the Levelling Up fund is expected in the autumn.