World Heritage status leads to cultural and economic benefits in Bethesda

The community of Bethesda has recently benefited from a financial investment of more than £3 million which will lead to the regeneration of two cultural centres there.

The exciting plans will be realised after Neuadd Ogwen and Yr Hen Bost received funding from the Llewyrch o'r Llechi project, a cultural investment programme linked to The Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site. The funding is administered by Cyngor Gwynedd, and funded by the UK Government.

These projects will contribute to the access and enjoyment of culture and heritage within the World Heritage Site.

Neuadd Ogwen

Neuadd Ogwen is a popular concert venue and community arts centre on Bethesda's High Street, with gigs sold out on a regular basis. The improvements of installing essential soundproofing, as well as state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems mean that the centre is now able to offer a better experience for attendees and reduce sound impact on the local community.

Since the improvements were completed, three new members of staff have been employed by Neuadd Ogwen, ensuring an exciting and prosperous future for the venue.

The installation work was done by a company local to Bethesda, North Wales Sound & Lighting.

Dilwyn Llwyd, Manager of Neuadd Ogwen, said:

"The investment and improvements we've made make Neuadd Ogwen feel like a real arts centre and music venue, and the future looks bright.”

Lisa Jên Brown, actress and performer with Welsh band 9Bach, added:

"I've seen Neuadd Ogwen develop over the years – from the time that I started out playing in the foyer, to playing in front of hundreds of people.

"As someone from the area – and as an artist – I'm delighted to have this venue in Bethesda.”

Yr Hen Bost

Social enterprise Partneriaeth Ogwen is leading the transformation of the former Spar building on Bethesda's High Street to offer a provision for local residents as well as visitors. 

Plans for the site include:

1. a heritage centre,
2. business units,
3. restaurant,
4. bike hire facilities,
5. residential space.

 

The development will offer a space that will allow visitors to spend time and money on Bethesda's High Street and an opportunity to appreciate the history and heritage of the area. PegwArchitects were appointed to redesign the building, with a remit to reflect the quarrying heritage of the area, as well as meet environmental and sustainability standards.

After its renovation, which is being undertaken by Grosvenor Construction Ltd, Yr Hen Bost will reopen during the spring, 2026.

This project has received additional funding from the Welsh Government and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Dyfrig Jones, Chair of Partneriaeth Ogwen, said:

"Yr Hen Bost is a project that is rooted in the World Heritage Site and its history, but is also about looking forward, celebrating the living heritage of Bethesda and Dyffryn Ogwen.”

The investments in Bethesda are part of the wider Llewyrch o'r Llechi project, which sees capital projects implemented in the slate landscape in order to celebrate the unique heritage and culture and improve access and understanding of the World Heritage Site.

Lord Dafydd Wigley, Chair of the Slate Landscape of Northwest Wales World Heritage Site Partnership Board, said:

"I'm extremely happy to see these developments happening – it's one of the main reasons for securing the UNESCO designation.

"Investments like this help ensure that these communities grow – as living communities – where young people can stay and thrive. It informs our cultural identity.”

Councillor Medwyn Hughes, Cyngor Gwynedd Cabinet Member for Economy and Community, added:

"It's great to see communities coming together, and to see one project start as the other nears completion, and to see the benefits of the Wales Slate investment."