Penrhos Garage, Dyfi Stores and Post Office
Area: Bro Dysynni
Total UKSPF Gwynedd funding: £500,000
What is the background?
The businesses Penrhos Garage, Dyfi Stores and Post Office in Aberdyfi were at risk of closure as the property including a garage, workshop, shop and a three-bedroom flat went up for sale.
The not-for-profit enterprise Aberdyfi Community Projects Ltd was formed to save the local amenities and jobs by buying the property for the community.
What was the support?
There was a very uncertain period during the buying process following a landslide at the boundaries of the property, which meant difficulty in obtaining insurance until repairs had been carried out.
But, following the stabilization of the site and investment from the Fund, the property was purchased.
What difference has this made?
The purchase has protected eight jobs in the local community by safeguarding the businesses on the site. Keeping the building in community ownership has also meant that an affordable house is available to rent to local people, and there is also an opportunity to develop the large workshop into two new units for local businesses.
“My Grandfather opened the garage here in 1922, but recently the building came up for sale. The only proposals being put forward were to demolish the old buildings and develop open market housing. They would’ve probably been second homes, and I didn't want to see that happen here. We’ve been able to protect eight jobs, save the shop, the post office and garage.”
Catrin O’Neill,
Director