Caru Coed y Brenin has been invited to submit a final proposal to manage and develop the world-renowned mountain biking centre.

The group, originally established to oppose the closure of the centre, decided to proceed with an application to operate Coed y Brenin as a social enterprise and safeguard the future of the centre and its trails.

Caru Coed y Brenin want to ensure the site is managed by an organisation with the necessary expertise, commitment and long-term vision, while retaining as much of its economic and social value as possible within Meirionnydd and Wales.

They submitted a proposal to Natural Resources Wales (NRW) in March, setting out the strategic and operational case for community management, supported by a detailed financial model, a proposed structure for the community enterprise and initial plans for the development of the site.

NRW requested further information, which Caru Coed y Brenin supplied this additional within the required timescale.

On 2 September, Caru Coed y Brenin was invited to present its proposals to a panel of nine NRW staff members and a representative of the local community. The meeting provided a valuable opportunity for the group to explain its vision, discuss its plans in detail and respond to questions from the panel. NRW also provided further information about the next stages of the process.

Caru Coed y Brenin has now been invited to submit a final proposal, including an expanded business plan and more detailed operational and financial planning, by the end of October.

To strengthen the proposal, the group expanded its team, welcoming three new members who bring a broad range of relevant skills and experience.

The team is also holding discussions with key organisations including Gwynedd Council, Eryri National Park Authority, Visit Wales and the North Wales Economic Ambition Board to support the development of a coordinated and sustainable proposal that will ensure Coed y Brenin remains an important asset for the local community, the regional economy and visitors from Wales and beyond.

Caru Coed y Brenin Chair Rhys Llywelyn said: “Committing to this process was not an easy decision. We fully recognise the scale of the responsibility involved in operating a centre of Coed y Brenin’s standing, but we also believe this is a unique opportunity to create a secure and sustainable future for the site.

“Our vision is for Coed y Brenin to be run by the community, for the benefit of the community. We want to safeguard the trails, improve the visitor experience and ensure that the economic benefits are felt throughout Meirionnydd and the wider Welsh economy.

“We are extremely grateful for the support the campaign has received so far. There is a great deal of work to complete before the end of October, but we are determined to submit the strongest possible proposal.”

The outcome of the process is expected to be announced around in December. If successful, the intention will be to launch a community share offer, giving individuals and organisations an opportunity to support the development of Coed y Brenin and play a part in its future.