Cemaes Playing Fields Transformation Begins After Major Funding Success
Llanbadrig Community Council has announced that construction work to transform the playing fields in Cemaes will commence on Monday, February 2, following the successful securing of substantial funding from multiple partners. The project represents a significant community achievement, with support coming from Cronfa Padrig, the National Lottery Community Fund, NRS and Menter y Pentre.
Two-Month Project to Deliver Inclusive Community Space
The comprehensive transformation project, which is expected to take up to two months to complete, will deliver a fully renewed and inclusive play area alongside a modern Multi-Use Games Area (MUGA). This development will ensure a safe, accessible and inspiring space for children, families and the wider community for generations to come.
This milestone marks the culmination of extensive community-led engagement, with children and young people placed firmly at the heart of the design process. Over the past year, Llanbadrig Community Council has worked closely with local residents, Cemaes primary school, families and specialist organisations to shape a project that genuinely reflects local needs and aspirations.
Central Community Hub Receives Vital Upgrade
The playing fields represent the only dedicated outdoor play space for families in Cemaes and sit at the centre of a wider community hub that includes the Hwb, gym facilities and walking routes. Previous investment has already improved access to the site, making it fully accessible for wheelchair users and families with pushchairs.
This next phase focuses on renewing outdated equipment, addressing long-standing safety issues and creating a modern, inclusive environment that can be enjoyed year-round. Councillors leading the project emphasise that the transformation would not have been possible without strong partnership working and the commitment of funders who recognised both the social value of the project and the strength of the community's involvement.
Community Voices Shape the Project
Lowri Jones, community councillor at Llanbadrig Community Council, stated: "This project has always been about listening to our community, especially our children and young people. Seeing their ideas turn into reality is incredibly powerful, and we're proud to be delivering a space that reflects their voices and supports the wellbeing of the whole community."
The new facilities will include improved play equipment, an upgraded MUGA that is safer and more resilient to weather, and inclusive features designed to support children of all abilities. The project also supports wider wellbeing goals by encouraging physical activity, social connection, outdoor play and active travel.
Multiple Funders Support Community Vision
Rob Owen, chair of Cronfa Padrig, commented: "Cronfa Padrig trustees are particularly pleased to be a major investor in this project to reinvigorate and extend opportunities for children's play and exercise in Cemaes. The involvement of our local children in the design of the facility should ensure that they are used well, and the quality of the design should create an asset that will benefit families for a long time into the future."
A spokesperson from the NRS added: "NRS, a world leader in safely decommissioning the UK's first‑generation nuclear sites, including Wylfa, is proud to support this community‑led project in Cemaes. Our £10,000 contribution towards the £200,000 scheme reflects our commitment to helping create sustainable, thriving communities around our sites."
Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Menter y Pentre said: "The redevelopment of the Cemaes Playing Fields will provide an amazing resource for the village - as a place of play and also maintaining a much loved open space. The team from Menter y Pentre Cemaes Village Venture are delighted to be able to contribute to this important community project."
Experienced Local Contractor Appointed
Llanbadrig Community Council has appointed Creative Play, a North Wales-based company with more than 30 years' experience, to deliver the works. The company has worked closely with the community throughout the design process and will manage the installation from start to finish, helping to minimise disruption and ensure high quality, long-lasting results.
Creative Play stated: "It's been a pleasure to work on getting this fabulous play project idea to become a reality. The journey has been fantastic with the help of the community council and the wider community. Creative Play are excited to get the installation started and can't wait to see the finished play areas and the new Multi Use Games Area."
Future Community Benefits Anticipated
Looking ahead, the council hopes the revitalised playing fields will not only support everyday play, but also provide a flexible space for community events, activities and future enhancements. The playing fields are already a popular destination for local families and visitors, and the upgraded facilities are expected to attract increased footfall, benefiting local businesses and supporting Cemaes as a welcoming, family-friendly place to live and visit.
Llanbadrig Community Council would like to thank everyone who contributed ideas, attended events, completed surveys and supported the project along the way. This investment stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved when a community, funders and partners work together with a shared vision for improving local facilities and enhancing community wellbeing.
