Grŵp Cynefin has published a vision document detailing plans for a major £38 million health and well-being scheme in Penygroes, Gwynedd.
The housing association is leading on the ambitious project, provisionally called Canolfan Lleu, with partners Gwynedd Council, Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Theatr Bara Caws playing a pivotal role.
The document outlines its vision for a community hub in the centre of Penygroes, to serve the village and the communities of the Nantlle Valley and beyond. Canolfan Lleu aims to strengthen communities across the valley, supporting people’s health and wellbeing through a range of traditional and preventative services. It will offer a place to socialise and connect people, a single point of access to health, housing, community and council services and aims to strengthen the local economy.
The site itself will offer:
- 36 bed residential home
- 17 flats that facilitate independent living
- Core general medical services with shared facilities, a community pharmacy and dental service
- Traditional and preventative community health services
- Multi-purpose spaces for young people, support services andspaces for third sector to deliver outreach provision
- New Grŵp Cynefin offices incorporating suitable spaces for modern, flexible working
- A new home for Theatr Bara Caws including offices, rehearsal space and a theatre
- Spaces to promote intergenerational activity.
The whole site will include green spaces and also aims to be net zero, utilising locally sourced, sustainable materials with a circular economy principles in mind.
Shan Lloyd Williams, chief executive of Grwp Cynefin said: ‘Publishing the Canolfan Lleu vision document is a significant milestone in this exciting and innovative project. It’s the result of years of close consultation with the communities of the Nantlle Valley and our partners to truly understand the needs and aspirations of those communities, to develop a really strong business case and to look at how it can all come together. I’m immensely proud of the work that has already been done and am looking forward to the next stage, further developing the details and securing the funding. Canolfan Lleu promises to push the boundaries and break new ground in collaboration and inspire other communities in Wales to realise such projects.’
Wyn Thomas, assistant area director of primary care for Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: ‘Bringing services and care closer to people’s homes is a central part of the Health Board’s vision for providing health services in the future.
‘The development in Penygroes will provide a focal point for primary care and community-based health services in the area, as well as services from our partner organisations, all under one roof.’
Craig ap Iago, Gwynedd Council’s cabinet member for housing, says: ’I really believe this is the most exciting thing to happen in our area for years. If we get it right, it will go a long way towards creating an economically, socially, and environmentally sustainable Bro Lleu.’
Berwyn Morris-Jones from Theatr Bara Caws says: ‘Increasingly we are seeing the important role of the arts in promoting and sustaining wellness and health. A new HQ for us as well as a new theatre for the public fits naturally into the vision and the benefits for us as a company and our customers is immense.’
The Welsh Government has endorsed the vision and has contributed financial support through an ICF grant to develop the planning stages.
Last Friday (March 4) Liz Saville Roberts MP and constituent MS Sian Gwenllian met members of Grŵp Cynefin and project partners on site, where they welcomed the proposed project.
The document is available locally from Siop Griffiths, Penygroes, or on the Grwp Cynefin website or it can be requested through canolfanlleu@grwpcynefin.org.
The Canolfan Lleu partners on site (left to right): Shan Lloyd Williams Grŵp Cynefin chief executive; Liz Saville-Roberts AS/MP; Craig ap Iago, Cyngor Gwynedd Council; Berwyn Morris-Jones, Theatr Bara Caws; Wyn Thomas, Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board; Sian Gwenllian AS/MS; Mair Edwards, Grŵp Cynefin Head of Community Regeneration.