AMBITIOUS £18m relocation plans are being developed to bring a Bangor college campus ‘into the 21st century’

Grŵp Llandrillo Menai is aiming to create a lifelong learning zone and centre of excellence for the creative industries at Parc Menai to meet future needs of learners and employers in north west Wales.

The vision involves the relocation of the Coleg Menai Bangor campus from its existing Ffriddoedd Road and Friars site.

If granted planning permission, the plans would entail investment of around £18m.

The scheme includes the acquisition of the Tŷ Menai and Llwyn Brain buildings on Parc Menai, creation of a hi-tech learning environment and would bring together all of the Bangor-based Coleg Menai departments and administrative functions.

It would also consolidate the Grŵp’s creative industries provision, with courses ranging from art and music technology, to games design and TV production all available on the same site.

Coleg Menai Principal Aled Jones-Griffith, said: “We have long identified the need to move from our current site as the buildings are in such a state of disrepair. The relocation to Parc Menai would bring our Bangor campus into the 21st century and allow us to offer students and staff the best possible environment to excel here in north west Wales.

“Given that the Parc Menai site is positioned alongside some of the region’s leading creative companies, it is perfectly located for greater partnership working with industry. This will help us to ensure that the learning and training opportunities offered to young people meet the skills requirements of local employers.”

On Tuesday, June 11, a 28 day period of consultation on the proposals will be launched, ahead of submitting a planning application for change of use to Gwynedd Council later this year.

Aled Jones-Griffith explained: “Whilst we have full confidence in our vision, this project is by no means a done deal and we will continue to work with partners over the coming months to refine our proposals.

“The next step for us is to consult on the plans as part of the planning process. We are holding a drop-in event at Tŷ Menai, Parc Menai, between 3pm and 6pm, on June 20, and would like to invite anyone wanting to learn more or discuss the proposals with us to come along.”

Aled added: “We have already secured Welsh Government support in principle for our proposals, and will continue to work with partners including Gwynedd Council and local schools on delivering first class post-16 education as we plan for future provision.

“We have also been in discussions with business leaders on Parc Menai and in the surrounding area who have expressed their support for our plans.”

Jon Rashid, Head of 3D Development at Gaia Technologies plc, said: “Having access to a highly trained pool of young people on Parc Menai would be a massive benefit for us, not least in attracting and retaining local talent. The Campus would also breathe a much welcomed vibrancy to Parc Menai and provide excellent training facilities right here on our doorstep.”

Stephen Edwards, Director of design and production company Cread Cyf and co-founder of Het Creative said: “Coleg Menai’s vision for the Bangor Campus is absolutely fantastic, and I only wish I was of the generation of young people that will benefit should it become a reality.

"My colleagues and I will most definitely be looking to collaborate with Coleg Menai on initiatives to develop skills and employment opportunities in the area.”

Planning documents can be seen at: www.cadnantplanning.co.uk/consultations