Agenda item

·        To accept an offer letter for funding from the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund, to implement the Llewyrch o'r Llechi scheme jointly with partners within the Slate Valleys.

·        To authorise the Head of Economy and Community Department, in consultation with the Head of Finance Department and Head of Legal Services, to agree on the contractual and operational arrangements and the complete financial package with partners.

The report was submitted by Cllr Nia Jeffreys 

DECISION 

·       To accept an offer letter for funding from the UK Government's Levelling Up Fund, to implement the Llewyrch o'r Llechi scheme jointly with partners within the Slate Valleys. 

·       To authorise the Head of Economy and Community Department, in consultation with the Head of Finance Department and Head of Legal Services, to agree on the contractual and operational arrangements and the complete financial package with partners. 

DISCUSSION  

The report was presented noting that three substantial bids had been submitted by the Economy and Community Department and the Environment Department to the Levelling Up Fund, UK Government. The Bywiogi Bangor and the Ardudwy Green Corridor bids had been unsuccessful but the Llewyrch o’r Llechi bid was a success. It was explained that confirmation had been received of a £18.8m investment to be spent before the end of March 2025. 

It was noted that the Llewyrch o’r Llechi scheme was a package worth approximately £27 million in plans across the slate valleys of Gwynedd that respond to the theme of 'investing in culture'. It was reported that it was a scheme that offered opportunities and developments that contribute towards the regeneration of these communities. It was noted that the details of what the package included had been noted in part 2.2 of the report. 

The Head of Economy and Community added that discussions had been held with the communities and that the most mature projects needed to be focused on in order to be able to complete the work within the timeframe. It was added that this had been a factor when identifying projects. It was noted that interpretation work needed to be commissioned as part of the Scheme.  

It was noted that this package contributed to the wider vision noted in part 2.3 of the report namely to 'Protect, preserve, improve and convey the area's important features to reinforce the cultural distinctiveness and strengthen the Welsh language, and become an important catalyst for economic regeneration and social inclusion.' It was believed that the Scheme was very ambitious and a long-term programme and it was hoped that this would lead to further opportunities in these communities. 

To close, it was noted that Cyngor Gwynedd would lead on the bid but that it would be working in partnership with the three areas that are a part of the bid essentially in order to realise the various projects. It was noted that there would be a need to agree on a legal agreement between Cyngor Gwynedd and the partners in the community in order to realise the projects and deliver. It was added that work had commenced in terms of discussions with the Heads of Finance and the Head of Legal Services therefore it was hoped that it would be possible to move ahead and confirm the arrangements with partners.  

Observations arising from the discussion 

·                  The investment and opportunities stemming from the Scheme were welcomed. 

·                  A question was asked about the joint-funding sources noted in the report on pages 264 and 265 and that they are noted as 'possible'. It was asked how certain the Economy and Community Department was that the amounts noted would reach us.  

·                  In response, the Regeneration Programmes Manager noted that she was certain of this as initial meetings had been held for example with Museum Wales and that they were a part of wider schemes with them. It was added that there was a low risk of the schemes not going ahead, it was reported that Cyngor Gwynedd had now received assurance of the developmental phase by the Lottery Heritage Fund.