BANGOR residents have given their response to the shortlist of proposed names for Bangor’s new arts centre.
The £35 million project, tentatively titled “Pontio”, will bring cutting edge technology and entertainment facilities to the city, as well as creating 900 new jobs over the course of it’s construction.
Work is scheduled to start in August, and a list of potential names has been drawn up.
The Chronicle took to the streets of Bangor to see what those who will be using the arts centre thought.
19 year old gap-year student Alex Brockley was a fan of ‘Bangor AI’, a name which combines the “arts and innovation” on offer at the centre with the local phrase, whilst also referencing the landmark London eye.
“‘Bangor AI’ is quite good, without a doubt,” he said.
“It’s the most recognised phrase in Bangor, it sounds good.”
College students Rhys Spens and Aaron Richards, both 18, also felt Bangor AI was the best name.
“I like that one because it’s kind of fun; it’s entertaining, and that’s what's going to be inside,” said Rhys.
A group of sixth form students from Amlwch, however, disagreed with the name, saying it gave out a bad impression.
“I don’t like ‘Bangor AI’ - it sounds common!” said Jess Jones.
The group said that “Bwrlwm Bangor”, “Canolfan Llywelyn” and “Yr Awen”, the Welsh term for inspiration, were the pick of the names on the shortlist.
“I like the Canolfan one and Yr Awen; It’s easy and simple to know, and it’s Welsh, but easy for English people.” said Melissa Owen.
Delyth Murphy, of the lifelong learning department of Bangor University, had her own idea on the name.
“I like Canolfan Adda, after the river that runs underneath the site,” she said.
She was also less than impressed with “Canolfan Ritona”, coming from the goddess of selling.
“It’s a bit crude!” she added.
But Laura Hughes, of Rhiwlas, Bangor, was not impressed by any of the names, and said it was important to find a better one.
“If it’s got a rubbish name, it won’t generate interest.” she said.
What do you think the arts centre should be called. Comment on this story at www.northwaleschronicle.co.uk or email news@northwaleschronicle.co.uk.
Suggested names for the Arts & Innovation Centre:
Pontio - Currently the working title of the project, depicting it as a bridge between arts and science, university and community, and academia and business.
Pont Bangor - Works in the same way to previous suggested name.
Bangor AI - AI taken from the Arts and Innovation, a play on the colloquial ‘Bangor aye’ and references to the importance of the London Eye.
Porth Bangor - Porth comes from the Latin for portal or gateway. The name also related to the practical siting of the buildings, taking a view through the Memorial Arch following the line of the structure to the main University building. The preferred design features an arch drawing people into the new building.
Gwydion - The archetypal wizard, storyteller and wise man of the Mabinogion.
Yr Awen - The Welsh name for inspiration or the muse.
Pair - An idea about a cauldron as a source of inspiration and rebirth.
Canolfan Mabon - Deriving from one of the Celtic deities Maponos.
Taliesin - A 7th century Welsh poet.
Dinlleu - Lleu is a character in the Four Branches of the Mabinogi - the God of light and master of many crafts.
Canolfan Maelgwyn - The name of the King of Gwyness in the 6th century.
Canolfan Llywelyn - A common historical name.
Derwydd (Druids) - Druids were regarded as multi-skilled people
Canolfan Ritona - The goddess of selling
Bwrlwm Bangor - ‘Bwrlwm’ is an onomatopeic word meaning “bubbling” or “overflowing” - it is associated with energy, creativity and activity.