Ex-defence depot could become Welsh Xanadu (From Western Telegraph)

Ex-defence depot could become Welsh Xanadu

A Welsh culture complex has been suggested as a possible alternative role for Trecwn.

Retired dentist Mr Dewi Rhys-Jones, of Fishguard, believes the economy and the tourist trade could be given a massive boost, and that hundreds of all-the-year-round jobs could be provided if the former armaments depot became a Welsh Xanadu.

He suggests the complex houses art galleries, a concert hall, theatre, cinema, history, literature, language and culture exhibition spaces, together with wardened nature trail facility.

In a letter to Welsh Tory leader Nick Bourne AM, with copies to other political, local government and arts figures, Mr Rhys-Jones has suggested that the miles of lofty tunnels and the beautiful unspoiled woodlands of Trecwn could become a cultural centre of significance, which would attract both the day tripper and the serious cultural tourist.

It could include exhibitions of European civilisation, Welsh culture, art, crafts and music, displays of Welsh and Celtic history, Christianity, the poetry of Waldo, the writings of D. J. Williams, and the history of the Welsh language in Britain and Patagonia.

The attraction of Trecwn could be tied in with satellite galleries such as the Graham Sutherland Gallery in St Davids, and an Invasion Centre on the Parrog where the tapestry could be displayed.

It would create a network that would take anyone a full week to see, and as such would compete with places such as London and Dublin ... and the vagaries of the weather would be irrelevant.

He says the huge chambers would be ideal for drama and dance, classical and pop music, art conservation, restoration and storage and Trecwn could also become a venue for conferences and master-classes and house the longest undercover craft market in the world.