FRESH PLANS FOR SCHOOL
BACKING FOR COMMUNITY ART GALLERY AND TWO DWELLINGS IN ABERFFRAW
COMMUNITY leaders have welcomed a plan to transform a former eyesore school into a community art gallery.
The primary school in Aberffraw on Anglesey, shut its doors for the last time in 2011.
Despite calls for the building to be transformed into something beneficial community, it has remained empty for over five years.
But this all looks set to change, after a planning application was submitted to transform the facility into a community art gallery and two dwellings, with work set to start in 2018 if council planners give the plans the go-ahead.
Anglesey Council have confirmed that the building was sold last March, with Mr Brinley Morris of Cheadle, near Stockport, now submitting the plans to decision makers.
Mr Morris, who has strong links to the Ruthin area, operates a not for profit organisation, Artism UK, whose main function is to give support to artists who are on the autistic spectrum.
“We’ve spoken to most people in surrounding properties, who support the plans,” he said.
“We hope to give local artists the chance to use the gallery for exhibitions, while the work with with artists and people on the autistic spectrtum will provide a social need to help combat social isolation.
“The gallery will be run by Artism UK, which is a not-for-profit organisation while also bringing extra people to visit the village and support the shop and pub.”
Mr Morris added that apart from general repairs, the building will look largely the same from the outside.
The project also includes two dwellings, one for Mr Morris and his family and another which can be used by visiting artists.
Bro Aberffraw councillor Ann Griffith, was unable to comment on the application due to her chairmanship of the planning committee, but fellow member Peter Rogers, said he was delighted with the proposals.
Cllr Rogers, who has long called for something to be done with the building, said: “This is exciting and positive news for the village of Aberffraw.
“The empty school was becoming a bit of an eye sore, but Mr Morris’ plan to return to Wales and convert the former school into a residence for him and his family and create a community art gallery, appear to be very exciting.”
Cllr Rogers went on to say: “His plan is to work with the local community and people with extra needs including autism to build up the social inclusion that is often missing a real benefit.
“He also intends to make studios available for local people to use for arts and crafts or start up young enterprise.”
A decision is expected to be made by Anglesey Council’s planning department in the near future.