Former Gwynedd primary school set to become community hub

Councillors have hailed the potential use of a closed primary school as a multi-purpose community hub as “fantastic news” for a Gwynedd village.

It came as Cyngor Gwynedd unanimously agreed to the first stage of a process leading to a social enterprise and charity taking on the Ysgol Cwm Y Glo building on a nominal lease.

The primary closed on the  August 31, in 2019, after pupil numbers had dwindled from 17 to zero.

Menter Fachwen, based in the village, offers education, development and training provision to those with learning disabilities had expressed an interest in the school site, after outgrowing its existing location in the village.

Cyngor Gwynedd’s Cabinet  agreed the initial stages of the process when it  met on Tuesday, September 15.

It also agreed to authorise the Assistant Head of Housing and Property to lease the former primary school site directly to Menter Fachwen at  a nominal rent.

It also accepted that  the Assistant Head should agree to establish the terms and conditions of the lease.

Presenting the report Lowri Cadwaladr said Menter Fachwent had expressed an interest in the building, an idea which had been supported by the community council.

“It would enable Menter Fachwen to expand whilst developing wider services for the community,” she said.

“At the moment there is no planning permission in place for the scheme nor confirmed funding available,” she said.

However,  the organisation would need to seek planning and funding before the council implemented the lease.

However, she noted that the applicant would be able to apply for “substantial funding” once the council had approved the lease first.

She added that the intention was to supply a lease but the ownership of the property would stay with the council.

A report noted that Menter Fachwen was “developing a series of case studies demonstrating the positive impact of their services on individuals, providing clear evidence of outcomes that will directly support grant applications,” councillors heard”.

It said it had also secured funding to provide a weekly community meal, prepared and served by people with learning disabilities supported by the charity.

“These meals are popular and offer important social opportunities, helping to foster stronger community ties and create more opportunities for meaningful engagement with the wider community.”

The community hub could also provide and incorporate a raft of community activitivities and event, a community hall, health and wellbeing sessions, a cafe, space for groups and organisations, charity events,  Citizens’ Advice, a site for Radio Fachwen and community garden and play facilities.

Llanberis Cllr Gwilym Evans, stated in the report that the “development that has strong support from the community”.

“A community space will form part of what is available, and there has been significant demand for this among local residents…I believe this is exactly what Cwm and the surrounding area needs.”

Speaking at the meeting Council Leader Cllr Nia Jeffreys said it was “good news for  the enterprise in Cwm Y Glo, and shows that school buildings can be reused for the community’s benefit”.

Cllr Medwyn Hughes said: “This is the exact type of project we want to see in our communities and I imagine it will make a major difference to the Cwm Y Glo area and vicinity.”

The agenda item had followed an intense discussion over the closure of two schools, Ysgol Baladeulyn at Nantlle and Ysgol Nebo, near Caernarfon.

Cllr Huw Wyn Jones added “after such depressing items about the last two schools it is fantastic to see the positive use of a former school building.

“This is something we should really welcome. It feels like a minor thing after the last two items but it is fantastic. The very best of luck to them.”

By Dale Spridgeon – Local Democracy Reporter (Picture: Google Maps)