CRiC News

Building work continues on schedule

PRESS RELEASE

16TH JUNE 2006

Building work continues on schedule for the new Resource and Information Centre that will serve Crickhowell and its surrounding communities. One important aspect of the new building is that of environmental sustainability both now and for the future.

Solar panels have been installed on the roof to help cut down on water heating.  Waste disposal and the use of environmentally friendly cleaning materials are issues that will be incorporated within the management of the centre.  It is also hoped to install photovoltaic cells on the roof.  These are designed to generate electricity for use in the building, and could also result in the sale of excess electricity to the national grid.

The official opening ceremony for CRiC is planned for the start of September, but it is anticipated that most of the occupants of the new centre will be in place by mid-August.  Secretarial and office facilities, tourist information services, computer access and training, Crickhowell Volunteer Bureau, Crickhowell and District Archive Society, an art and craft gallery, a small coffee shop, and conference and training facilities will all be available for local people and visitors to the area.  There will also be 'letterbox’ facilities for use by community groups.

As well as an official 'ribbon-cutting’ ceremony to launch the new centre, there will also be a series of events featuring local societies and performers over a three or four day period.  This will enable local people in particular to visit the building and find out precisely what will be on offer.

Visitors to Crickhowell have been commenting favourably about the stone- clad centre, which is the largest public building to be erected in the centre of the town for many years.  Locals too are becoming increasingly interested in the arrival of a project, which will serve as a community 'hub’.

Commenting on the centre and its future value to the community, the newly elected mayor of Crickhowell, Cllr Geoff Powell has said:
 ' I would like to thank all the organisers and fundraisers of the new Resource and Information centre for their outstanding efforts. This is the most significant community/public building since the building of Crickhowell High School over 20 years ago and more comparatively to the Clarence Hall which was finished in 1892 (108 years ago).

The Information Centre will be a great boost to our struggling tourism trade, as this will give a very good first impression to visitors on arrival. The new building complements the Clarence Hall while the interior will be well lit and airy, giving a message that this town, while retaining its charm, is thriving in the 21st century. This will undoubtedly encourage tourists to settle in the town and surrounding areas.

A long-standing champion of the venture, County Councillor John Morris added:
'A great deal of hard work over a number of years will see a landmark building opening soon. With this new building we are the envy of other towns in Wales and this project is a great example of community working that has developed following the dark days of Foot and Mouth. I wish the management, directors and volunteers every success in the future.'

For further information contact Jan Morgan at the Market Hall, Crickhowell on 01873 811970.