Grŵp Llandrillo Menai has appointed Anglesey-based OBR Construction to carry out the refurbishment of its new business support centre at Parc Menai near Bangor.

The circa £750k project will see the renovation of the Llwyn Brain building, which has stood empty for the last two years, into a purpose-built facility for the Grŵp's Busnes@LlandrilloMenai function.

The centre will feature modern facilities to support professional programmes, specialist work-based training and apprenticeships, as well as the latest technological equipment to meet the growing demand for virtual learning. It will also house some of the Grŵp’s Corporate Services staff such as Finance and Human Resources.

Having recently completed the £750,000 Y Felinheli flood scheme on behalf of Gwynedd Council, OBR Construction has seen significant growth over recent years with its portfolio spanning the private, public, commercial and energy sectors.

OBR Managing Director, Rhys Jones said: "We are extremely happy to have been awarded this contract. It is an exciting project which involves creating a cutting edge professional environment for Grŵp Llandrillo Menai's business arm.

"With our roots here in north west Wales, it is always encouraging to win local contracts. Covid-19 has definitely brought about challenges for the construction industry like all other sectors. Securing work here on our doorstep is a big boost and helps us continue to provide jobs locally and support the economy."

OBR Construction has already commenced the work on the new site and it is anticipated that it will be completed by July 2021, and services relocated by August 2021.

The development is part of a wider strategy to create core delivery 'hubs' for Grŵp Llandrillo Menai's business and industry-focussed provision across North Wales, with plans also in place to develop the existing professional learning centre in Abergele.

Paul Bevan, Executive Director for Commercial Development at Grŵp Llandrillo Menai who heads up Busnes@LlandrilloMenai, explained: "The delivery of Busnes@LlandrilloMenai’s services has until now been distributed across the Grŵp's main campuses. We've identified that this model no longer fits the needs of our customers. There is a demand for a more business-focused learning environment, closer proximity to key transport routes, facilities such as adequate parking, and access to industry.

"Whilst a substantial element of delivery will undoubtedly continue to be online for the foreseeable future, the new physical footprint for Busnes@LlandrilloMenai will improve the professional learning experience. By consolidating staff and delivery and providing 'one-stop-shop' type facilities for companies, these three hubs will enable us to offer a coherent, modern and agile service.

He added: "This will be supplemented by our Specialist Learning Centres, such as the new Centre for Infrastructure, Skills and Technology in Llangefni, as well as a broad range of workplace delivery programmes.

"We are also hoping, subject to planning permission by Gwynedd Council, to relocate our Bangor campus to the Tŷ Menai building next door to Llwyn Brain. This will further strengthen our ability to offer streamlined, comprehensive learning and training for individuals and employers in the area."