Siân Gwenllian MS Working for the people of Arfon

The local MS says the £5.8m redevelopment will create jobs and acknowledge important history

Siân Gwenllian, who represents the Arfon constituency in the Senedd visited the £5.8m redevelopment of Cei Llechi in Caernarfon this week.

The substantial regeneration project of the old slate quay area, implemented jointly by the Caernarfon Harbour Trust and Galeri, on the banks of Afon Seiont houses 19 workspaces for local artisan and craft manufacturers.

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.

Siân Gwenllian, who represents the area in the Senedd recently visited Cei Llechi;

“I had a terrific visit to the regeneration project, accompanied by Gwyn Roberts, Chief Executive of Galeri Caernarfon, who are now responsible for the day-to-day running of this great resource. 

“The £5.8m redevelopment is timely, coinciding with UNESCO officially designating Wales’ slate areas as a World Heritage Site.

“The project has been innovative in creating a perfect marriage between the rich history and entrepreneurial future of the space.

“The artwork and architecture acknowledges the area’s immense historical significance, as an industrial epicentre of the world at one time.

“The quarry and maritime themes run through the design.

“Covid-19 taught us the importance of the local, and the hub at Cei Llechi is a celebration of local produce, creativity, and talent.”

Gwyn Roberts, Chief Executive of Galeri Caernarfon has hailed the project as “an exciting new chapter in the history of the unique and historic area”;

“It’s a sensitive combination of the site's old buildings as well as new buildings surrounding it.

“Over 50% of the 19 units have now been snatched up. We are continuing to promote the rest of the units and would like to hear from manufacturers who are interested. 

“The development has now been completed and Cei Llechi will contribute to business development, job creation, as well as being an additional attraction on the waterfront that our local community and visitors can enjoy.”