Construction starts on Welsh food centre

Construction is due to begin on the project at Furnace Farm, on the Bodnant Estate in the Conwy Valley, today (Monday, October 18).

It will involve the renovation of 18th century farm buildings, adjacent to both the A470 and the world-famous Bodnant Garden, to showcase local produce from across the region and Wales.

Local contractors K. and C. Construction will be carrying out the project which is being backed with over £2.7m from the Welsh Assembly Government through the European Regional Development Fund, the Targeted Match Fund as well as a Processing and Marketing Grant under the Rural Development Plan.

The buildings, which are being restored to high levels of environmental sustainability, will house an extensive farm shop ─ with a wide range of produce from Wales ─ a tea room, restaurant and a cookery school.

When completed, over 30 jobs will be created.

“We are determined to encourage innovation and support the creation of dynamic enterprises to meet the demands of a modern tourism industry, drive forward the agri-food sector and secure more job opportunities,” said Assembly Deputy First Minister, Ieuan Wyn Jones.

“It is in keeping with our goal to build strong, sustainable sectors and maximise opportunities to introduce value added products for both the Welsh and global markets.”

Rural Affairs Minister, Elin Jones said the centre would be “another valuable platform on which to showcase quality Welsh produce.

“It is crucial we continue to strengthen links between production, processing and the consumer to provide a more sustainable future for farmers and growers.”

Short cooking demonstrations with visiting chefs, as well as longer courses, will be available and accommodation for visitors.

There will also be a production unit for cheese, ice-cream and yoghurt, as well as a bakery, with the potential for more production to take place on site.

●Furnace Farm will also provide a home for a new National Beekeeping Centre for Wales, which will provide an attractive venue for beekeepers, the general public, schools and conservationists.

The centre will offer training courses for all levels of beekeeping and a visitor centre with observation hives.

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