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The Story So Far
September 2022
The Committee and subgroups
Following the raising of the deposit, sub groups were established.
The Construction Group spent time at Y Tŵr creating building plans and floor plans, and the vision of the building's potential.
The Business Group researched grant and share schemes and then started the process of applying for grants.
The Promotion Group created social media pages, and a new website. Competitions, a questionnaire, and fundraising plans for the initiative were discussed.
We are proud to announce that Menter Y Tŵr is part of the 'Improving Pwllheli' project by Gwynedd Council. We are extremely excited that collaboration has started with the Ecomuseum with the hope that Y Tŵr can be included as a Hub on the Ecomuseum's map.
16 November 2023
Reaching the target
After six exciting weeks of promotion the amazing news was announced on 16 November 2023 that the community had invested over £500,000 in shares!
Spring - Summer 2024
Open days and community evenings
It was a very busy time for the crew at the start of 2024 with several events taking place
A Gig was organised by the Jin Buan crew at the rugby club, there was a Bingo night at the Golf Club and there were several Open days at Y Twr
Spring - Summer 2024
New plans!
We worked closely with Rhodri Evans, Architect from Dobson Owen architects, to develop a vision of the building ensuring that the plan is suitable for the needs and expectations of the community. The consultation work was key in the process
September 2022
Deposit
Following a very successful public meeting in August 2022 it was clear that the community wanted to own Y Twr. The deposit of £60,000 was raised within 24 hours.
October 2023
Launch of a shares scheme
The official launch of the Share Scheme took place in Pwllheli's oldest pub, Penlan Fawr, on 1 October 2023. It was a busy and entertaining afternoon with the well-known local band Pys Melyn entertaining. The Shares Campaign was active for 6 weeks with the closing date on 16/11/23. We managed to reach and pass the £400,000 goal to complete the purchase.
December 2023
The clearing begins
During December the huge work of clearing and tidying up inside and outside the Tower began. A crane cleared the landers, a huge skip to get rid of the rubbish, and Jack picked up dirt to clear and tidy up the yard on a beer garden!
Spring - Summer 2024
Consultation and grants
As part of adapting the project to the needs of the community, there were several consultations with the public. There was a general consultation about the use of the building, an environmental consultation and an accessibility consultation. This work has been essential for our understanding of the needs of the community and has enriched the information for grant applications. Applications worth hundreds of thousands were submitted to various funders.
December 2024
Commencement of renovations
The end of the year, and the start of another chapter in the history of the Tower. After receiving grants from AONB and the VCymru Government's Town Transformation fund, the work of demolishing the old extension at the back and erecting scaffolding around the building began. For the next 6 months the building was behind a layer of white plastic where the builders DR Williams were busy removing and renovating the roof, chimneys, skylights and windows of the building finishing the work by applying a coat of fresh paint in a completely new and addictive colour!
July 2025
Unveiling after the renovation work
After months hidden behind scaffolding and a white plastic covering, the day finally came to unveil the building. On a sunny day in July, the cover was removed, revealing the first glimpse of Y Tŵr in its renewed form. The transformation has been made possible thanks to grants from the AONB and the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Fund.
August 2025
National Lottery Herritage fund
Following a successful application, a grant of £215,790 was awarded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund to support the development phase of the ambitious project to transform Y Tŵr into a vibrant hotel, community hub, and heritage site in the heart of Pwllheli.
