AN Anglesey community group has secured planning consent to for a £2m project to boost tourism and create a community hub in Cemaes.

The Cemaes Community Interest Company now have permission to transform the Capel Bethlehem Cemaes site, which overlooks the Cemaes harbour and seafront.

The group, has secured planning to develop a 100 cover restaurant, a community hub, a visitor attraction for the 111 year old Charles Henry Ashley lifeboat, two retail outlets, a boutique cinema and holiday accommodation at the site which overlooks Cemaes's scenic bay and ancient harbour.

This project, is the cumulation of 15 months of work by a group of nine volunteers who were committed to protecting the historic site from potential property development.

The group say their intention was to create to create a "vibrant community hub for local employment, training and skills development opportunities and a permanent home for the classic lifeboat when it is not at sea, between September – May.

Michelle Humphreys Cemaes CIC chair said: “We are delighted to announce that we have been granted planning permission for this ambitious ‘once in a lifetime’ opportunity to create a new jewel in Anglesey’s crown for the benefit of the whole community and the island’s vital tourism economy.“

“We would like to offer our thanks to all the Llanbadrig Parish residents who have supported the project by attending public events to provide their valuable feedback and insight to help shape the decisions for this grass roots, community led project.

"We would like to thank local charitable trust Cronfa Padrig who awarded Cemaes CIC £16,566 funding for the project’s development phase, the Capel Bethlehem Cemaes Trustees for believing in our vision.

"Also, Russell Hughes Cyf Architects, Llangefni for all their support along the way and the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority for its generous award of £150,000 Magnox socio-economic scheme funding as early adopters to back this transformational development."

Cemaes Library will also be transformed into a community hub, after receiving help from local businesses and organisations, including Horizon Nuclear Power.

Through Horizon funding, Cemaes Library has secured a grant to safeguard its future but also improves facilities and access for the community and will fund new computers and help improve IT skills.

The library will also be introducing a new science information point, so people can learn more about science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM) – including the history of Wylfa and nuclear power in the region.

Councillor Aled Morris-Jones, secretary of Friends of Cemaes Library, and Isle of Anglesey County Council ward member for Twrcelyn, said: “Libraries provide a vital community service. Whether you’re interested in local history, art, or just have a passion for reading, access to such facilities is vital for places like Cemaes.

“When the library was shortlisted for closure, we saw a real effort from local people to keep it open and secure its future. We’re extremely grateful that Horizon, Magnox and Llanbadrig Community Council were able to help us keep the doors open while improving facilities and providing more resources for the people it serves.”

Gwen Parry-Jones, executive director of operational development at Horizon, said: “We believe supporting local facilities makes the area better for us all, so we were pleased to be able to help Cemaes Library. We’re glad the local community will be able to continue to use the space, instead of having to travel elsewhere to access such facilities.”