The Rural Economic Hub (REH) is a collection of buildings designed to create a new Agricultural campus environment; and includes a Food Enterprise Park and Knowledge Centre. These collectively form part of the Glynllifon College’s vision to create an exemplar food incubator hub for start-up business in the UK. The proposed development takes a holistic approach to the design process with a focus on exemplar design principles and sustainable development which fosters a direct link with local innovative Welsh companies, to ensure the creation of local jobs and the formation of self-sustaining supply chains.

The site occupies an area within the historic Glynllifon Estate and is located at the crest of a hill with views from the site dominated by panoramic views of Snowdonia to the east and southeast within wider agricultural context. The Glynllifon Estate contains several Grade I, Grade II and Grade II* listed buildings and a public garden of historical importance which have been considered throughout the Planning and design process to ensure compliance with CADW and respect with the wider historic estate for the benefit of future generations.

The proposed design sits sympathetically into the landscape and uses materials and forms which mimic that of the local disparate farm buildings located within the wider agricultural context. Our team is working closely with the Client to create spaces and facilities which provide showcase areas and demonstration set-ups, allowing local businesses to test various automation or new technologies before implementation on a wider scale - and is fully supported by the Welsh Assembly innovation agenda.