A full copy of the report is available here
In brief the Report states:
Bala is a key part of the tourism hub in South Gwynedd – a fact recognised by the response of the local community / businesses to this study.
At the centre of the area’s growing appeal is the lake – and the role of BLR in highlighting its attractiveness is not to be underestimated.
Access to / from BLR in Bala town itself is currently very poor and has precluded this ‘attraction’ playing a fuller part in the local economy – certainly from the perspective of Bala town.
This economic impact assessment forecasts that the value of this development locally would be near £1.4m and 20 FTE one year jobs plus 18 other jobs supported during the building phase and an increase of £420k of local expenditure per annum.
Moreover the major contribution of the development would be to enhance the appeal of the whole area that could inter alia:
- Allow the town to develop other key leisure facilities (eg lake path etc)
- Help extend the season beyond the current levels
- Create a much wider appeal to those infirm or disabled to enjoy the delights of the lake without fear of accidents or having to negotiate difficult access to the town / station
- Create a far more convincing link to the town (and indeed other paths and trails).