A local businessman has bought the old Coleg Harlech and its auditorium.

Adult Learning Wales confirmed that Leslie Banks Irvine, who is from the Llanaber area, has bought the Wern Fawr site along with the Theatr Ardudwy auditorium, the former gymnasium and the amenity centre.

Adult Learning Wales chief executive Kathryn Robson said: “We can announce that the sale of the former Coleg Harlech site has been made to local businessman Leslie Banks Irvine.

"We are excited by the opportunity and potential the sale brings for the local and wider communities, marking a new chapter in the site’s history.”

Mr Banks Irvine told the Cambrian News he was “still gathering his thoughts” on what the future holds for the site following completion of the purchase last Friday.

Since the closure of Coleg Harlech’s library, Addysg Oedolion Cymru, Adult Learning Wales has sought to establish a national resource centre in the name of benefactor Tudor Bowen Jones and to this end is working in partnership with the National Library of Wales and other experts to enable many thousands of learners across Wales to access information and resources to help them with their studies.

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