A NEW Llanbedr bypass will cost £20m to build, it was confirmed this week.

The price tag has been revealed as the Welsh Government this week approved the final financial contribution of over £1,000,000 towards a series of infrastructure improvements both on and around Snowdonia Aerospace Centre in Llanbedr.

The works will include the construction of a new bypass for the village of Llanbedr, improved access to the site itself, and the renovation of the facility’s on-site business accommodation. European, Gwynedd Council and private funding had already been secured, with this final contribution meaning that works should begin in 2019.

Lee Paul, of Snowdonia Aerospace LLP which holds the long term lease for the site said: “We are currently in negotiations with a number of companies in both the space and unmanned flight sectors. The improvements which will be undertaken through this project will play a crucial part in their decision to locate at Llanbedr.”

Cllr Ioan Thomas, who leads on Economic Development for Gwynedd Council, said: “This is good news for the economy of Meirionnydd. We have long supported the development of Snowdonia Aerospace Centre, especially since its inclusion as part of Welsh Government’s Snowdonia Enterprise Zone, as offering a rare opportunity to attract high quality jobs to the area, and are aware that infrastructure improvements must be made to allow the centre to reach its full potential.”

Along with the development of the local economy, the new bypass would be expected to alleviate significant traffic pressures in an area with high visitor numbers, especially in the summer months.

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