Glan-llyn Isa’ Urdd centre near Llanuwchllyn will benefit from a £6.5million investment into expanding and upgrading facilities at Urdd Gobaith Cymru’s residential centres.

A turf-cutting ceremony was held on Friday, 25 October at Glan-llyn Isa’ to celebrate the beginning of these redevelopments.

To officially open the start of this significant 18-month development programme, the Urdd invited former head of Glan-llyn centre, John Eric Williams, to cut the turf at his previous home, Glan-llyn Isa’. Siân Lewis, chief executive of the Urdd, and Huw Antur Edwards, Director of Glan-llyn centre, were also present.

Urdd Gobaith Cymru will be investing the £6.5m into a standalone centre aimed at older Urdd members and a new water sport centre with modern facilities at the Glan-llyn site.

The investment combines grants from the Welsh Government as part of its 21st Century Schools and Education Programme, Big Lottery Fund Wales and match funding by the Urdd. The £2.75m capital investment by the Welsh Government has been agreed as part of the two-year Budget agreement between the Welsh Government and Plaid Cymru.

Glan-llyn Isa’ is an old stone manor house, a quarter of a mile from the main Glan-llyn Urdd centre, which was traditionally the residence of the head of the Glan-llyn centre. The Urdd’s investment will allow the renovation and extension of Glan-llyn Isa’ to provide accommodation and teaching spaces aimed primarily at young people over the age of 16.

The renovation of the old manor house will provide accommodation for up to 30 young people, facilities and outdoor activities independent to Glan-llyn and available to smaller groups and private bookings. But it will also provide additional accommodation and facilities for use when needed by the neighbouring Glan-llyn centre.

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