A £900,000 project to renovate an arts venue in Pwllheli is almost complete.
After a long period of closure due to the refurbishment project at Neuadd Dwyfor, the exciting development of the much-loved Pwllheli facility is nearing completion.
The work has left people in the Llyn without the library, theatre and cinema there. Gwynedd Council, who own the building, hope residents will approve of the changes that have been made.
Substantial investment by the council, and additional grants from Welsh Government have enabled a complete redesign of the library space and the installation of new shelving, the creation of an accessible ground floor toilet, upgrading of the seating in the balcony and auditorium, the creation of a welcoming space with seating and a coffee bar in the foyer, and new meeting rooms and flexible space to enable people to work remotely from Neuadd Dwyfor rather than having to go to the office.
With the refurbishment nearing completion, the aim is to re-open in mid-February. The library will open first, with the theatre and cinema offering a programme of events in the following weeks.
Work on improving the foyer is nearing completion with a new logo design by Penygroes-based company, Gringo, installed by Sarah Wray of Pwllheli now decorating it.
Gwynedd Council cabinet member for economy and community, Cllr Gareth Thomas said: “We know that people have waited patiently for the new-look Neuadd Dwyfor to open, and we are pleased that most of the work has now been completed.
“In the first instance, the improved library and foyer to Neuadd Dwyfor will open, with the finishing touches then made to the theatre and cinema.
“The new-look library will offer the same range of library services, including borrowing all kinds of books, using public computers and wi-fi, and we’ll also have a brand-new children’s section that will be ideal for story times and baby rhyme and song sessions. We’ll be sharing details about story times on our Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as how to book.
“A new Neuadd Dwyfor website will also be available soon with a varied and entertaining programme to welcome everyone back, with a chance for everyone to enjoy a drink before shows in our new lounges.”
Nia Gruffydd, Gwynedd Council libraries manager added: “Our staff are very happy with the improvements that have taken place so far at Neuadd Dwyfor, and are delighted that this historic listed building has benefitted from an investment to improve the facilities.
“Whilst we look forward to the reopening of Neuadd Dwyfor, some other work will be ongoing in 2022 which won’t impact on the public’s enjoyment of the facility.
“Replacement entrance doors will be installed and damp treatment completed to maintain the building for the future. Further restoration work will also be carried out to the external walls in order to make this beautiful red building in Pwllheli town centre stand and thrive for the next hundred years.”