Bid for funds could lead to exciting £9m Eryri national park HQ

AN “exciting” £9m project could see one of Gwynedd’s grandest listed buildings become a national park HQ, mixed-use community site and cafe - if a funding bid is successful.

- Dale Spridgeon

News that the Eryri National Park Authority was planning to sell the historic mansion Plas Tan Y Bwich prompted a public outcry last year.

The 30-bedroom mansion near Blaenau Ffestiniog was built in the 19th Century for the wealthy slate quarry owning Oakeley family.

Concerns had been raised at the potential loss of public access to the estate grounds which included Llyn Mair and its woodland trails.

There was also criticism that the authority had been “too secretive” over the identity of a bidder when the property went on the market for £1.2m. The sale was later put on hold.

In April, 2025, officers agreed to try to keep Plas Tan y Bwich subject to securing a National Lottery Heritage Fund grant.

This was with an eye to relocating the national park's offices from its Penrhyndeudraeth HQ to the Plas and to include “a wider mix of uses” for the historic property.

However, funding was unsuccessful, it was agreed the authority should maintain control of the woodlands and Llyn Mair.

The matter would be considered further, and the project's progress reported at the authority's meeting today (September 10).