Sales agents of the former G.M. Jones properties at Parc Ty Gwyn, Llanrwst, have confirmed that an offer has been made for both industrial units. This news comes following the pressure placed on the Welsh Government by Janet Finch-Saunders, Assembly Member for Aberconwy, since the company went into administration and the units were left empty in March 2019.
The Welsh Government provided £400,000 to G.M. Jones to build the bespoke units in 2016.
Commenting on the development, Janet said:
“The collapse of GMJ in March 2019 was a major calamity for the Conwy Valley.
“40 workers were made redundant, and two major units supported by £400,000 of our tax payer’s money left empty and unused.
“Given that the Welsh Government had invested our public money in the project, I have been using the levers at my disposal in the National Assembly for Wales to see the units put to good use and importantly, more jobs created.
“Since scrutinising the Minister for Economy and Transport on the situation in plenary this month, I have now had it confirmed in writing that an offer has been made to the administrators for both industrial units.
“It seems that we are now a step closer to achieving an employment boost for Llanrwst”.
ENDS
Written Assembly Question by Janet Finch-Saunders AM:
Further to plenary on 4 December 2019, will the Minister confirm that he will be asking the Welsh Government's Chief Regional Officer in north Wales to liaise with Business Wales and Conwy County Borough Council with regards to the former G.M. Jones premises at Parc Ty Gwyn, Llanrwst?
Response from Ken Skates AM, Minister for Economy and Transport:
I can confirm that the office of the Chief Regional Officer is in contact with Conwy County Borough Council and Business Wales regarding the GMJ buildings at Llanrwst and we are promoting the properties at every possible opportunity. The properties are being advertised by Business Wales and the sales agents of the properties have confirmed an offer has been made to the administrators for both industrial units. We will continue to work with all interested parties to secure employment at the site in Llanrwst.
Notes:
Questions to the Minister for Economy and Transport: Grant Funding
Developer given major grant to build £1.3m headquarters has gone into administration