A FORMER Chinese restaurant in Holyhead said to be at risk of becoming a target for anti-social behaviour is set to be transformed into a “desperately needed” venue.
Anglesey County Council’s planning and orders committee agreed to a full application for a change of use of the Mandarin Royale on Wednesday [September 3].
The white rendered building on Victoria Road closed around three years ago. Planning documents stated that the building was “currently in reasonably good condition in terms of structure and aesthetically”.
They added: “However, the building has been vacant for some time and may become a target to anti-social behaviour if not occupied”.
Now, Hwb Cybi has been granted permission for a change of use of the site to a mixed use community hub.
The scheme will provide a multi-use youth hub/meeting room/venue as well as provide kitchen facilities and golf simulator.
Planning officers said the site was easily accessible on foot and benefited from “excellent” public transport connections.
It was of “benefit to the local community” and was recommended for approval.
Local member Councillor Pip O’Neill said it was a “positive application” which had been supported by the police, the local community and businesses.
Cllr O’Neill said: “We hope it will help in tackling perceived anti-social behaviour. We have had a great response after contacting the local youth of the area, I have nothing but positive words for this.”
Another local member Cllr Jeff Evans said: “This is a wonderful project necessary for the benefit of Holyhead for many a year. It is to support youth and the community at large and will be used for a multitude of community purposes.
“We have issues at Holyhead, anti-social behaviour, and this is going to provide a venue for the future, and for today’s youth to develop them into fine young adults.”
The hub will be run by a group of trustees, local volunteers and a paid project manager, working with partners.
Cllr Robert Llewelyn Jones said: “I would say this is a desperately needed facility in Holyhead. I thank all the people who have managed to get this up and running.
“It’s not been an easy process for them, they don’t get paid for it. They have got the future and well-being of Holyhead youngsters at heart.”
Cllr Jackie Lewis added: “A lot of hard work has gone into pulling all this together, it is not easy to attract significant funding, needed to deliver and run this.
“I’m aware there have been many Holyhead hubs over the years, that lessons have been learned and have informed this plan. I am totally supportive of the scheme.
“It is not far from the car park behind the public toilets near Cybi sports bar. I’m aware there have been a few problems in that area with young people recently.
“I understand that the hub will be trying to help these young people so that they can grow and become people who will contribute to Holyhead and Anglesey, hopefully.”
The Cybi Youth Hub said in its application business plan it envisioned a “vibrant and inclusive Youth Hub” that serves as a dynamic space for personal growth, community connection, and empowerment.
The committee would also have “a unique focus on music” to bring young people together. It noted that there was no dedicated building available for young people aged between 11 and 25.
The town, it said, was also “currently experiencing” a rising problem with both perceived and real anti-social behaviour incidents.
It said: “The town centre is a hotspot for congregating groups of young people, in close proximity to pubs and shops selling vapes and alcohol.”
