WORK is set to begin on a “vital” £6.5 million multi-purpose centre in Colwyn Bay next month.
The indoor development in Eirias Park has been designed for use by the community, including conference and classroom facilities for business and commerce events, as well as a gym and high performance sports analysis facilities where the Welsh Rugby Union will be basing its North Wales Rugby Academy.
The project is a key part of the Bay Life+ regeneration initiative for the Colwyn area and along with major coastal defence works about to start on Colwyn Bay promenade, refurbishment of Theatr Colwyn, and other property improvements within the town, will play a key part in the plans to rejuvenate the area.
Cllr Graham Rees, Conwy County Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for Corporate Modernisation said: “This is an exciting scheme for both Colwyn Bay and the North Wales region and the Council has worked hard over recent years to make this project a reality. The centre is a vital part of the Council's community participation and activity programmes.”
Denbighshire based firm Wynne Construction has been appointed to build the indoor centre, which is being funded by £3.8m from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and Welsh Assembly Government Targeted Match Fund.
Funding has also been secured from the Welsh Assembly Government Strategic Regeneration Area fund, Conwy County Borough Council and the Welsh Rugby Union.
Council Leader, Cllr Dilwyn Roberts, said: “We’ve identified Colwyn Bay as our regeneration priority. This Parc Eirias development is a key element in our vision to revitalise the town.”
Work will begin on site in February and will take approximately seven months to complete.
A further tender exercise will follow for work on the stadium pitch to make the surface suitable for international rugby and football, and for a pitch protection system to allow spectators to stand on the sports pitch for outdoor concerts.