A financial package of £8.3m has been secured for an innovative project that will increase the opportunities for the Outdoor Sector in Gwynedd and will be a boost for the local economy.

The Pwllheli National Sailing Academy and Events Centre has received financial support from the European Regional Development Fund, Welsh Government and Gwynedd Council. This includes around £4 million of funding from the Welsh Government through the European Regional Development Fund and the Targeted Match Fund.

The project will develop a centre at Pwllheli that will provide for national and international sailing events, develop the area as a whole to become a sailing destination for world-class sailors, open the door for new sailors, offer opportunities for more people to become involved and develop skills in outdoor activities and will be an asset for the community as a whole. When it opens in 2013, the Sailing Academy promises to attract thousands of extra visitors to the area every year.

Gwynedd Council has been working in partnership with Pwllheli Sailing Club, Welsh Government, North Wales Watersports, Plas Menai, Coleg Llandrillo (Cymru) and the Welsh Yachting Association  to develop the academy and the event centre.

The centre will also be key to hold wider community events and activities in the town – a facility that is required in Pwllheli.

The project is a response to the demand for higher quality facilities at Pwllheli and responds to the Concept Proposals prepared by Marina Projects in 2008. Over the coming months the Project Team, in consultation with users and the community will further develop these concepts and develop detailed designs for the Project.

For further information you can contact the Economy and Regeneration Department, Gwynedd Council, Stryd y Jêl, Caernarfon, Gwynedd, LL55 1SH.

Phone: 01286 679513

E-mail: adfywio@gwynedd.gov.uk