CRiC News

Funding secured for important community project!

PRESS RELEASE

FUNDING SECURED FOR IMPORTANT COMMUNITY PROJECT!

The long awaited million pound project to provide Crickhowell and its surrounding communities with a central modern Community Information Centre has been given the go-ahead.   CRiC, The Crickhowell Resource & information Centre has secured funding from The European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Objective 2, and from Powys County Council’s Local Regeneration Fund to build and equip the centre.  Financial support is also being provided by the Welsh Development Agency and The Tourism Partnership Mid Wales.

The overall aim of the European Regional Development Fund’s Objective 2 transitional programme is to secure increased levels of economic growth in East Wales with the key objectives of increasing employment growth across the region, promoting economic diversification in the region and developing sustainable communities.

The £1,003,000 project was recently approved by the Welsh European Funding Office (WEFO), which is part of the Welsh Assembly Government, with £480,800 being provided through Objective 2 funding.

The Community Resource and Information Centre will be located in Beaufort Street and comprise of 2 floors housing: the uptodate computer facilities and office services previously provided by the Community Telecottage, accredited provision of tourist information, facilities for other helping agencies to serve the community regularly (hot desk services), coffee shop, Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau, Crickhowell Archive Group, an art & craft gallery, new public toilets, and Conference/Meeting rooms.

Location of the planned new centre in Beaufort Street

There will now be a period of detailed design with the architects working closely with key members of CRiC’s project board, before going out to tender for the construction work.  It is hoped that the centre will open early in 2006.  The new centre will be managed by the Directors of Crickhowell Resource and Information Centre, a company limited by guarantee and a registered charity.  On a day to day basis the centre will be run by paid qualified managers and appropriately trained volunteers.  CRiC will be working closely with the Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau to recruit and train volunteers in the wide variety of skills necessary to provide a comprehensive and quality service to the public.    

Commenting on the funding news, Project Development Manager Jan Morgan said "We are delighted to receive the funds for this exciting project.  The Centre aims to be a hub for community information in order to maintain a lively community with long term employment prospects for future generations.  It will be of enormous benefit to residents and businesses of the town and surrounding communities as well as providing a tourist attraction for visitors."

Assembly Member Kirsty Williams commented "I am delighted that this money has been awarded to Crickhowell to take forward this exciting development.  By creating new facilities, whilst upgrading existing ones, the centre will bring real benefits to local people and visitors alike."

County Councillor John Morris added "I am delighted that this project is to be developed in Crickhowell.  The new building will be a big boost for local businesses and the community.  I am grateful for the vision and hard work of the officers, volunteers and directors in developing the project for Crickhowell which gives us a building that will lead us into the 21st century as The Clarence Hall led us into the 20th century."

CRiC provides computer access, training, high tech digital photocopying facilities and office services to the community.  CRiC also produces a bi-monthly newsletter and regularly provides support to a number of local groups and charitable organisations. 

For further information contact Jan Morgan or one of the volunteers at the Market Hall, Crickhowell on 01873 811970, email: cric@ctc.ruralwales.org

WEFO Editor’s Notes
Together with public and private sector match funding, some £2.75bn has now been invested in Wales over the past 5 years through the European Structural Funds Programmes managed by the Welsh European Funding Office.

This level of investment has created or safeguarded over 87,000 jobs in Wales, improving prosperity, increasing opportunity and transforming communities once considered economic black spots.

The primary objective of the Welsh European Funding Office is to ensure that Wales derives the maximum possible benefit from the European Structural Funds over the period 2000-06.

It is part of the Welsh Assembly Government's Economic Development and Transport Group.

A range of partnership bodies in the public, private and voluntary sector delivers projects.

The Structural Funds aim to promote sustainable economic growth, increase prosperity in all parts of Wales, reduce disparities within Wales and tackle inequality, inactivity and social exclusion.

Simon Jenkins, WAG press office.
Tel: 02920 898203.
E-mail:simon.jenkins@wales.gsi.gov.uk