Want Newport news straight to your inbox? Sign up to our newsletter! Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Ambitious plans are set to transform two Urdd activity centres in a new multi-million pound investment.

Nearly 20 full-time jobs are to be created along with 12 apprenticeship positions as part of plans to inspire a new generation of young people to speak Welsh outside the classroom.

Taking to the Maes on the second day of the National Urdd Eisteddfod, Siân Lewis, Urdd Gobaith Cymru’s chief executive, outlined developments for both Glan-Llyn outdoor activity centre in Bala and Llangrannog centre in Ceredigion .

As part of the plans a total of £1.2m is needed to renew the 40-year-old centre at Glan-Llyn and expand the water activities available at the site.

An £800,000 funding application has also been made to create a 30-bed residential centre to accompany the camp.

(Image: Urdd)

Meanwhile in Llangrannog artist impressions reveal a £3.5m development to transform the building’s accommodation, kitchen and dining room.

In an announcement made on Tuesday Ms Lewis said 47,000 pupils across Wales took part in activities in Urdd centres last year as part of their 800 courses.

She said: “I’ve spent many weeks in Glas-Llyn as chief executive and I’m always so proud of the impact on children able to use Welsh in an informal environment.

“The Urdd camps are unique, we are the only facilities in Wales able to offer facilities and outdoor activities in Welsh.

Video Loading Video Unavailable Click to play Tap to play The video will start in 8 Cancel Play now

“The camps are also important to the Urdd in terms of generating income and today we want to ensure the prosperity of the camps by investing heavily over the next 18 months.”

Lowri Jones, director of Llangrannog residential centre added: “This is the biggest development we’ve had since 2000.

“It will really change things around to provide better and more flexible accommodation to 500 people and make the accommodation feel more personal.

“It will also have a huge impact on the rural economy, it will create 10 posts and 10 apprenticeships which really make a difference.”

(Image: Urdd) (Image: Urdd)

The news was also followed by an appeal for help to find a new tenant to take on lesser-known Urdd residential centre Pentre Ifan.

Found two miles from the village of Newport in Pembrokeshire, the search is now on to find an individual or family willing to take on the 18-bed centre and popular wedding venue.