PLANS for a new £30million health and wellbeing hub in Bangor have been approved by Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board and Gwynedd Council.

The proposed hub is planned to be located inside the Menai Centre, on the city’s High Street.

It is part of the health board’s plans to improve access to health services in the area, and of the council’s plans to help towards regenerating the city centre.

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Dyfed Edwards, chair of Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board, said: “The first stage of the business case for our health and wellbeing Hub has now been submitted to Welsh Government for approval to progress to the next detailed design stage.

"We have entered into initial discussions with the Bronderw and Bodnant GP Practices about our plans, which remain at an early stage of development, and will be subject to approval of a formal business case submitted to the board and then Welsh Government.

“This is a really important development for the city of Bangor and will bring a range of community health and social care services, council and voluntary services all into one place to provide better access for our community. 

“We now look forward to continuing to work in partnership with Cyngor Gwynedd as we move on to the next stage.”

It is hoped that the additional footfall generated by the proposed health and wellbeing hub will be a major contributory factor in the regeneration of Bangor’s city centre.

The location of the new hub means that it will be easily accessible in terms of public transport from all parts of the city.

Cllr Dyfrig Siencyn, leader of Gwynedd Council, said: “I am delighted that our plans for the health centre at the heart of Bangor have taken another significant step forward.

“Cyngor Gwynedd and our partners are working on ambitious plans to regenerate Bangor city centre and the health centre is one important element of these plans.

“Like many other cities and town across the country, Bangor High Street has faced significant challenges over recent years due to a combination of changes in people’s shopping habits, recession and the COVID pandemic.

“But by these sorts of investment, and bringing well-paid jobs and essential services into the heart of the city, we are confident that we can help give Bangor a brighter outlook.”

Siân Gwenllian, Arfon MS, added: “We all know that new life needs to be brought into the High Street and we know that we need new state-of-the-art health facilities.

“This project, therefore, gets to grips with two acute problems.

“As well as improving local health services and alleviating pressure on Ysbyty Gwynedd (in Bangor), it will attract locals to the city centre, increasing footfall for local shops and cafés.

“I look forward to working constructively with Welsh Government, the local health board and Cyngor Gwynedd to see plans for the centre realised.”