A fund-raising campaign by a Community Enterprise in North Wales to buy a marina has come to an end after it raised almost £120,000 in six weeks.
The marina at Y Felinheli is currently in the hands of the receiver after the company that owned it, and four other marinas, went into administration.
Menter Felinheli’s bid for the site was submitted in September and they are now awaiting a decision on whether their bid has been successful.
They believe that the money raised from 363 separate investors, combined with public funding and grants, can put the site in the hands of the community for the first time.
Gwyn Roberts, one of those leading the project, said: “We’re so grateful for the support we’ve received in our fund raising efforts.
“Much of this has come from the village, but also from the rest of Wales, from England, and from overseas.
“And although our campaign has concluded, there is still an opportunity for people to buy shares and support this ambitious and unique proposal. We continue to sell shares until we know the outcome of our bid for the site.”
The Enterprise says its five priorities are to:
- Enhance the marina through strategic, state-of-the-art investment
- Foster a stable, secure environment for berth-holders, staff and tenants
- Channel profits back into the community, fuelling local prosperity
- Secure government grants and public subsidies to maximise the site’s potential
- Embrace and showcase the site’s heritage for locals and visitors alike
Gwyn Roberts added: “We firmly believe that what we can offer is unique and that our bid is well-placed.
“The combination of factors we can deliver places us apart from any other bidder that we know of.
“We are optimistic that this combination, coupled with a fair, responsible and well-financed offer, puts us in a good position.
“Now we can only wait and see what the receiver decides.”
Anyone interested in buying shares can still do so online at menterfelinheli.cymru.
