DISCUSSIONS focusing on the future of Coleg Harlech are “progressing”, according to the parties involved.

Activities to “realise potential development opportunities continue apace”, according to site operators Addysg Oedolion Cymru / Adult Learning Wales.

A planning application has been approved to develop the former amenity block to provide “good quality’” accommodation where Welsh Government and European grant-funding avenues are being explored. Site discussions are also taking place with Snowdonia Aerospace in Llanbedr to explore potential development opportunities and linkages with the airfield.

Kathryn Robson, chief executive of Addysg Oedolion Cymru / Adult Learning Wales, said: “We are committed to securing the best possible future for the Coleg Harlech site.

“We are working with Gwynedd Council, Visit Wales and Welsh Government to explore opportunities for the development of the site which will make a significant contribution to the strategic development of the wider Harlech regeneration programme.

“We are also very pleased to be in discussions with Snowdonia Aerospace and see the emergence of a number of potential opportunities.”

Lee Paul of Snowdonia Aerospace confirmed: “We have had several discussions with Coleg Harlech over the past couple of months and see significant synergies between the two sites.

“The existing purpose-built facilities at the coleg and those being planned by them we feel can provide our customers with added benefits during their visits to the airfield.

“These together with the opportunity to work with the coleg in developing our educational / STEM programmes focused around aerospace and entrepreneurialism are very exciting.”

The positive progress is echoed by efforts being made by Gwynedd Council.

Councillor Ioan Thomas, Cabinet member for the economy, said: “Gwynedd Council is supporting the regeneration efforts at Harlech as a whole and has recently, with the support of Welsh Government, completed a piece of work to identify the key strategic priorities for the town.”

Gwynedd councillor Freya Bentham added: “The planning application and ongoing discussions offer the potential for the utilisation of an empty building which could provide further employment for the area together with maintaining the educational opportunities which Coleg Harlech has been providing since 1927.”

Full-time level three adult learning courses at Coleg Harlech are continuing following the recent relocation to the theatre building with two groups running in Humanities and Access to Nursing. More learners will be commencing on the level two course which will be starting next month.

All learners from the academic year 2016-17, successfully gained university places in September 2017 within Wales and further afield.