Gwynedd Council’s plan to create a new outdoor cultural and events space have taken a major step forward, following Welsh Government’s funding announcement to support the project. 

The Connecting Storiel project will transform the public spaces around Storiel, Bangor, creating a dedicated outdoor space for events, performances and community activities, while improving the connection between Storiel, Pontio and the wider city centre.

The project forms part of a vision to develop a stronger cultural corridor through Bangor, linking Bangor Cathedral, the library, Storiel and Pontio arts, to create a more connected destination.

Improvements will include a new amphitheatre‑style seating area, landscaping, a more accessible entrance, upgraded outdoor café seating and new lighting to support events throughout the year.

The upgrade comes as Storiel marks 10 years since opening, during which it has welcomed more than 370,000 visitors, dozens of schools and community groups.

During a visit to Bangor, Sian Gwenllian MS, Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning, confirmed £654,000 funding towards the project through the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Programme. Support has also been secured from the UK Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund as well as the UK Government’s Shared Prosperity fund during the design stages.

Council leader Nia Jeffreys said: “We are delighted with the announcement and welcome the £654,000 investment. We were very pleased to welcome the Minister to Bangor and to talk her through the exciting plans for the outside space.”

Cllr Medwyn Hughes Cabinet Member for Economy, added: “Bangor has some excellent facilities and the Connecting Storiel project will strengthen the links between them by create a high-quality outdoor space that supports events, culture and community activity.

“This investment is another important step in the regeneration of Bangor city centre, and we look forward to seeing the project progress over the coming months.”

Construction should be complete by next spring.