Seeking new owners for our heritage attractions
A CASH-STRAPPED council is asking community groups to take over some of its museum and heritage sites in a bid to keep them open.
Anglesey Council‘s leader warned earlier this year that groups would be asked to take over some of the island’s non-statutory services, with the authority grappling with further cuts of over £5m in next year’s budget.
As a result, it has now launched a bid seeking official expressions of interest from town and community councils, social enterprises and other organisations “with the appropriate resources, expertise and experience needed” to run three popular attractions on the island.
These are Oriel Ynys Môn near Llangefni, Beaumaris Courthouse and Goal, and Melin Llynnon and its associated roundhouses in Llanddeusant.
A precedent was set earlier this summer which saw Llangefni Social Enterprise take over the running of the loss making golf course and driving range in the town, which the authority had planned to close down.
Cllr Ken Hughes, whose education portfolio covers museums and heritage sites, added: “We will be consulting with the people of Anglesey once we’ve agreed a preferred way forward and before any final decision regarding the future of these sites is made.”
At present, Oriel Môn receives an annual grant from the Isle of Anglesey Charitable Trust, which is the legacy fund after Shell closed their oil terminal at Rhosgoch near Amlwch.
The art gallery, museum and cafe, which opened amid great fanfare in 1991, is known for hosting the world’s largest Kyffin Williams collection andworks by artist Charles Tunnicliffe.
Melin Llynnon, meanwhile, is Wales’ only working windmill after it was saved by the then Anglesey Borough Council in the early 80’s.
Beaumaris Gaol has a varied history which despite being closed in 1878, was used as a police station until 1952, and has since operated as a tourist attraction in the much visited town.
A council spokesman added that they were willing to consider “various models” to manage the facilities for their current use, while “protecting and preserving their special character, architectural and historic features.”
More information and details on how to make a bid can be found at www. sell2wales.gov.uk email procurement@ anglesey.gov.uk or call 01248 752174. The Closing date for expressions of interest is October 16.