BANGOR’S new museum and art gallery had already welcomed more than 5,000 visitors by the time it was officially opened this week.

Storiel, which occupies the old Town Hall and replaces the Gwynedd Museum and Gallery on Ffordd Gwynedd, was launched by Arfon AM Alun Ffred Jones on Monday. 

Tthe Bishop’s Palace Town Hall building was transformed over the last year to include museums, galleries, contemporary art galleries, a shop, cafe and activities room during a £2.6 million revamp. 

The site opened to the public on January 30 and has already seen more than 5,000 visitors. 

Alun Ffred Jones, who was Heritage Minister when the proposals were in development, said: “This is a very important day for Storiel and to heritage and arts in Gwynedd. 

“Following years of uncertainty and discussions, it is a privilege to be here to witness the official opening and launch of the project. 

“Storiel hopes to offer a sustainable model to Gwynedd’s Museum and Art Gallery and I wish the scheme a very prosperous and successful future.” 

The project’s aims were to redevelop the Bishop’s Palace Building for public use, contribute towards the regeneration of Bangor city, transform the interpretation and access to the Storiel collections, open doors to Bangor University’s hidden treasures and expand access and engagement. 

The project has been supported with funding from the Heritage Lottery Fund, the Welsh Government, Gwynedd Council, Bangor University, Bangor City Council, The Arts Council of Wales, Ashley Family Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Cadw, The Wolfson Foundation, Welsh Slate and Friends of Storiel. 

Cllr Mandy Williams-Davies, Gwynedd Council Cabinet Member for economy and regeneration said: “The Storiel project has been running for nearly two years and during that time, it has succeeded in hosting 26 family activities, 30 educational activities, supported over 30 volunteers who have worked over 1,000 hours. 

“With the facility itself opening its doors on 30 January, we have already seen a huge interest from those interested in the arts, heritage and Gwynedd history.” 

Bangor University Pro Vice Chancellor Jerry Hunter said: “It is fantastic to see the official opening and launch of Storiel. 

“The close partnership with Gwynedd Council has ensured that we have safeguarded and developed an accessible and important resource at the centre of Bangor City. 

“Through this project there is a real chance to open the doors of Bangor University’s hidden collections to Gwynedd residents and beyond.”