Work completed on £5.8m redevelopment of Caernarfon including its Harbour Office building

Construction company, Grosvenor Construction have handed over the unique redevelopment project to the Caernarfon Harbour Trust ahead of a new lease of life for this important area of the town.

This unique lottery backed redevelopment combines a mix of restoration and new building work as commissioned by the site’s owners, Caernarfon Harbour Trust.

Since 2015, the Harbour Trust have been working in partnership with social enterprise Galeri Caernarfon Cyf from design concepts, consultations, tender process through to the construction itself, with Galeri acting as the project managers on behalf of the Harbour Trust.

This relationship will continue as Galeri have signed a long-term lease of Cei Llechi and will be responsible for the day-to-day management of Cei Llechi and liaising with the tenants and various stakeholders involved and will add to the social enterprises work programme in the area.

The Harbour Office building and the derelict buildings behind have now been transformed into 19 workspaces for local artisan and craft manufacturers, three holiday lets, a meeting room and an interpretation area presenting the important history and heritage of Cei Llechi - locally, regionally, nationally and internationally.

Gwyn Roberts, Galeri Caernarfon Cyf’s Chief Executive said “Completing this project has proven to be a challenge for a number of reasons.

"As a site with many historical connotations, conserving as much of the older buildings as possible was a primary consideration. Blending essential new build elements with what we managed to conserve of the older buildings proved to be a challenge that has been successfully met by the designers, contractors and client team.

"The disruption to the construction programme caused by the Covid pandemic had a major effect in extending the time it took to complete the project and has also affected the take up of the units by prospective tenants.

"Despite the current uncertainties, take up by prospective tenants has been very encouraging with around 40 per cent of the 19 units now being allocated. We are still eager to hear from individuals or companies who are interested in renting units at Cei Llechi. The units range widely in terms of size and shape and they are specifically allocated for enterprises making and selling goods from the units.”

The project has been made possible through a financial package combining in excess of £3.5m from The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales as well as funding from the Welsh Government, Visit Wales, Cadw and Gwynedd Council.

Andrew White, Director of The National Lottery Heritage Fund in Wales said: “Thanks to National Lottery players, Cei Llechi is a transformational project which will help sustain jobs; support economic growth; drive tourism and help reinforce the already strong local sense of pride that exists in Caernarfon's unique heritage.

“The project has weathered the storms of COVID-19 and it will deliver new creative workspaces and present the history and heritage of Cei Llechi and its significance locally, nationally and internationally.

“We are committed to supporting Wales’ rich and vibrant heritage. Our National Lottery Grants for Heritage programme supports projects that connects people and communities with their heritage and this is a great example of finding new uses for old spaces."

Tenants have already Opened for business, including Red Boat Ice Cream, Cwt Celf and Oriel y Castell. More businesses will open in the coming weeks and months.

Ioan Thomas on behalf of the Caernarfon Harbour Trust said: “The majority of the buildings were previously in a very poor state and had become an embarrassment to the Harbour Trust and indeed the town considering the location being so close to Caernarfon Castle a World Heritage Site.

"The Trust had considered many options for the site over a long period and what could be done to not only bring the old slate quay back to life but also celebrate Caernarfon’s past.

"We were made aware of the Heritage Fund of the National Lottery for projects that combined restoration with enterprise to bring buildings back to life, specifically into commercial life.

"We’re extremely grateful to all our funders for their essential support to complete the project.

"We now have a fantastic Cei Llechi development showcasing local talent and creating new job opportunities, as well as providing an attractive waterfront area for the local community and visitors to enjoy”.

Further information can be found on ceillechi.cymru and through social media channels. To enquire about unit lease and availability, please email ceillechi@galericaernarfon.com