Bangor City Council has issued a statement clarifying the background to plans to redevelop the land next to Storiel, following discussion on social media about the scheme and the funding behind it.

The statement follows a meeting on Friday morning involving city councillors Eirian, Elin, Medwyn and Nigel and Cyngor Gwynedd officers, which was also attended by the MP for Bangor Aberconwy.

According to Bangor City Council, the meeting was held to seek clarification over recent social media posts relating to both the proposed development next to Storiel and Welsh Government Transforming Towns funding.

The Connecting Storiel project proposes transforming the public space around Storiel into an outdoor cultural and events area, including amphitheatre-style seating, landscaping, an improved accessible entrance, upgraded outdoor café seating and new lighting. (The Bangor Aye)

The City Council said Cyngor Gwynedd officers confirmed that the design for the land was produced in 2025 following a consultation event at Pontio and discussions with local stakeholders and groups.

It said feedback from that process was incorporated into the design before it was submitted to the Welsh Government as part of a funding bid.

Last week, Welsh Government Minister for Local Government, Housing and Planning Siân Gwenllian announced £654,000 towards the Connecting Storiel project. Cyngor Gwynedd has said construction is currently aimed for completion by spring 2027. (The Bangor Aye)

Bangor City Council said it had been told the redevelopment was intended to encourage more events in the city, attract additional visitors to the High Street and increase spending with local businesses.

However, the council also confirmed that further discussions will take place over how the final design could accommodate the Bangor Summer Festival.

Councillors Eirian and Nigel, described in the statement as lead organisers of the festival, will consult further with Cyngor Gwynedd officers over the coming weeks to ensure the final design is sufficiently flexible and appropriate for the future of the event.

The discussions will also consider safety requirements, including the introduction of Martyn’s Law – formally the Terrorism (Protection of Premises) Act 2025 – which is due to come into force in April 2027.

The statement also sought to clarify what the City Council described as confusion surrounding the wider Transforming Towns initiative.

It said a separate social media post by Siân Gwenllian concerning Transforming Towns projects across Wales was not related to the development of the land next to Storiel or its associated funding.

The £654,000 announced for Connecting Storiel has previously been described by Cyngor Gwynedd as funding provided through the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Programme. The project has also received support from the UK Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund, with Shared Prosperity Fund support used during the design stages. (The Bangor Aye)

The Connecting Storiel scheme forms part of wider plans to improve links between Bangor’s cultural facilities, including the Cathedral, Library, Storiel and Pontio, and create a more connected route through the city centre. (The Bangor Aye)

Bangor City Council said residents seeking further clarification can contact their local city councillor or the council directly.

Read our previous report:
Boost for Bangor – Funding secured for Cyngor Gwynedd’s Connecting Storiel project