Anglesey’s M-SParc to introduce refreshment vending facility with EV Charging

Visitors to a famous Anglesey business centre could soon be able to buy drinks, milk or fresh island produce from vending machines whilst charging their electric vehicles if plans are agreed.

Opened in 2018, as Wales’ first science park ‘M-SParc’ is well known as a hub for innovation, collaboration and business growth in North Wales.

Now the Menai Science Park which supports businesses growth is hoping to expand its own offerings with a new refreshments vending facility in the car park.

Anglesey County Council has received a full application for the erection of a container to accommodate food and drink vending machines together with associated bin store, landscaping works and solar panels on the container roof.

The application  describes a container building with separate vending machines for milk, coffee and snacks in a 62.00 square metre area.

The application has been made by Steff Thomas of Parc Gwyddoniaeth Menai, through the agent Rhiannon Williams of Dewis Architecture.

The proposal is planned for the grassy area at the end of the car park/EV charger parking spaces at the Parc, which is located just off the A55 at Gaerwen.

A justification statement in the planning documents stated the proposed new outlet would be “ancillary to Caffi Tanio, which currently operates from the M-SParc building.

“It is intended to compliment the existing business by providing an additional point of service rather than operating as a separate destination retail use,” the plans explained.

The proposal was “not expected to have any significant adverse impact” on the nearby village shops or other local businesses.

“Its primary purpose is to service users of the existing vehicle charging and visitors to the M-SParc site who require refreshments during relatively short visits,” it added.

The container facility would provide a “limited range” of hot and cold drinks, snacks as well as locally sourced fresh produce.

It also noted that “given its modest scale, simple form and relationship to the substantial new building currently under construction, the proposal will only have a minor visual impact and will integrate successfully into the established character of the site”.

The building under construction is the Egni Building described on the M-SParc website. It is set to be a purpose-built innovation hub and is due to open in the summer of 2027.

The business facility is set to include 18 modern offices, collaboration space, meeting rooms,  STEM centre and event space, super fast connectivity, free parking and EV charging.

By Dale Spridgeon – Local Democracy Reporter