Leisure complex delays blamed on Brexit vote
Politicians demand clarity on scheme from developer
PLANS to build a leisure complex at Parc Bryn Cegin in Bangor have been delayed by the Brexit vote, says the developer.
Last December it was announced that Liberty Properties Developments Ltd had been selected by the Welsh Government to create a 400 job leisure scheme at the entrance to Parc Bryn Cegin.
Liberty’s proposals include a cinema, five restaurants, a family pub and a Welsh produce shop, with the possibility to include a Tourist Information Centre and drivethrough coffee shop.
But since then there have been no public updates on the project, prompting Plaid Cymru MP for Arfon Hywel Williams and AM Siân Gwenllian to demand clarity on the scheme.
Now Liberty Properties have released a statement, saying that Brexit uncertainty had delayed the development but they were push- ing on with the plans.
Liberty development director Emyr Williams said: “Liberty Properties remains committed to delivering a high-quality family leisure park at Bryn Cegin.
“We have invested to date a considerable amount of time and money in preparing detailed designs, CGI etc and are in detailed negotiations with a national cinema operator.
“We recognise that there has been delay in delivering this scheme.
“However, occupiers were reluctant to invest in capital projects during the Brexit referendum campaign and unfortunately, there was a delay after the result as businesses reviewed their expansion programme and capital projects, following the result. This has been outside our control and very frustrating.
“Please be assured we are doing everything we can to bring this significant inward investment forward and hope to be able to formally announce further details.
“Negotiations are all subject to confidentiality agreements and therefore we cannot at this stage say anymore.”
Hywel Williams MP said: “It’s almost a year since we read with enthusiasm that a leisure developer was interested in transforming part of the empty Parc Bryn Cegin business park into a cinema and restaurant complex after a hard fought local campaign to bring muchneeded investment to the site.
“With no firm proposals submitted and ambiguous answers from the Welsh Government, local people want assurances that progress is being made, both in relation to the leisure proposal and with the remainder of the site.”
Economy Secretary Ken Skates said: “We have entered into agreement with Liberty Properties over the delivery of a leisure scheme at Bryn Cegin and they are currently in the process of seeking planning permission and negotiating with potential tenants.”