Hundreds of residents gathered in Caernarfon on Saturday to voice opposition to a proposed data centre development, with concerns mounting over its environmental and landscape impact on the Menai Strait area. The protest reflected growing community resistance to the scheme, which developers argue would bring substantial economic benefits to the region.
The outline application, submitted by Gwelyfenai Ltd for a site at the former Ferodo/Friction Dynamics works at Griffiths Crossing, proposes a 300,440 square metre data-centre campus involving demolition of existing structures and regrading of the land. The 101-acre location sits between Caernarfon and Y Felinheli in Gwynedd. Developers have stated the project could generate more than 900 jobs during construction and 200 permanent positions once operational.
Approximately 300 people attended the rally in the town centre, with the petition opposing the proposal reaching 22,000 signatures by 10 October. The protest walk was organised for Saturday, starting with an address in Caernarfon town square before proceeding around the castle and ending at the council offices.
What are the main environmental concerns?
Opponents argue the development would fundamentally alter one of Wales's most significant landscapes. Ernest Dyson, a resident living near the proposed site, characterised the scheme as
basically the destruction of the most beautiful part of the Menai Strait, adding that
the people of the area are custodians of it. That's what we must think of.
What has the developer said about environmental safeguards?
Canolfan Ddata Menai has stated its proposals would transform and revitalise the long-derelict site while providing significant employment opportunities. The company has emphasised that the project would ensure continued use of the surrounding area, including Lôn Las Menai cycleway and footpath, and would have no undue impact on the Menai Strait and an associated site of special scientific interest.
Regarding water use, the developer has confirmed that the cooling system would recirculate water in a closed loop and would not draw cooling water from the Menai Strait.
What is the political response?
Liz Saville Roberts, the Plaid Cymru MP for Dwyfor Meirionnydd, attended the rally and articulated concerns about the scale and location of the development. She stated:
We know that we need data centres but they have to be the right size, the right technology and in the right places. We need proper regulations and we need to make sure that communities benefit from this. We have too long a history in Wales of extractive industries that left nothing behind and have little benefit for communities. That mustn't happen again in the 21st Century.
What happens next?
The Menai area was designated an
AI Datacentre Growth Zonein November 2025, positioning it as a strategic location for such developments. However, the public consultation on the planning proposals is due to close on 17 October 2026. Gwynedd Council has not yet decided the application; the council's planning committee is expected to determine it after the consultation phase concludes.
Key Facts:
- The proposed data-centre campus covers 300,440 square metres on a 101-acre former industrial site
- Developers project 900 construction jobs and 200 permanent roles, though opponents question long-term community benefit
- The petition against the scheme has gathered over 22,000 signatures
- The public consultation period closes on 17 October 2026, with Gwynedd Council's planning committee to decide the application thereafter
- The cooling system would operate on a closed-loop basis without drawing water from the Menai Strait
