More than 450 community spaces across Wales have been saved,
improved, or newly created with support from a £63m Welsh
Government investment - keeping vital local venues open while
helping communities create new hubs where people can come
together.
From village halls, sports clubs and churches, the Communities
Facilities Programme has breathed new life into spaces that bring
people together, offering opportunities to connect, learn new
skills, and access essential services.
Since 2015, the programme has helped hundreds of local groups
across Wales to protect and develop the places at the heart of
their communities.
In Bethesda, Partneriaeth Ogwen has used the funding to transform
a former school into Canolfan Cefnfaes, a thriving hub providing
space for local groups and activities, business units, shared
workspaces, and essential facilities such as electric vehicle
charging, Wi-Fi, and IT resources.
Donna Watts, Chief Officer of Partneriaeth
Ogwen, said: "Partneriaeth Ogwen is a social enterprise
with community, economy, and sustainability at its heart, and
Canolfan Cefnfaes reflects these values. Welsh Government funding
has helped us bring a much-loved building back into use for the
community.
“There's a real buzz here – we've got everything from art classes
and whist drives to karate sessions, alongside business units and
workspaces that allow people to work locally rather than commute.
It strengthens our sense of community, keeps our economy local,
and is better for the environment.”
This week, the Cabinet Secretary for Social Justice,
, visited Bethesda to see
first-hand the difference the funding is making. She said:
"Strong communities need places where people can come together,
and I was delighted to visit Canolfan Cefnfaes to see how our
support is making that happen.
“Across Wales, the Community Facilities Programme, funded by
Welsh Government, has helped communities protect much-loved
venues while also creating new or improved spaces that matter to
them. These projects don't just improve buildings – they create
opportunities, support local economies, and bring people
together. I want to thank the volunteers and organisations whose
passion and hard work turn these ideas into reality.”
Notes to editors
- Partneriaeth Ogwen was established in 2013 through
collaboration by three local community councils to provide a
clerking service and develop community projects.
- Since its establishment, it has opened the Ogwen office and
Siop Ogwen on Bethesda High Street. It also manages properties
including flats, businesses, and the Dyffryn Ogwen Community
Library.
- The organisation has led environmental projects and developed
the highly acclaimed Ynni Ogwen community hydro scheme.
