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.”

Photograph: 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