DETAILS of potential buyers for the 23,000 acre Lake Vyrnwy Estate are unlikely to be made public until a sale is completed, it has been confirmed.
Edward Dixon, of Knight Frank estate agents, revealed they have sent out more that 200 particulars to people who have expressed an interest in purchasing the £11 million estate, but doubts any names will be officially disclosed until a deal is completed.
He did however state they are only looking at selling to a “responsible purchaser” and one who has “experience in managing an upland estate”.
Approximately 50 people gathered at Llanwyddyn Community Centre on Tuesday night to hear about the progress of the sale from County Councillor Simon Baynes, who had compiled answers from Severn Trent and Knight Frank to 25 questions that arose during a meeting in July.
Those at the meeting were pleased with the answers relayed to them through Cllr Baynes, but the main issues to arise were: If there are 10 serious purchasers all willing to meet the asking price, what criteria will be used to choose the buyer? And, will potential buyers be made public and if so will the people of Llanwddyn get the chance to question them?
Just days after the public meeting, Edward Dixon, told the County Times the answers to these questions.
“Anyone wishing to purchase the site has been asked to express their interest as of September 3, when a shortlist of serious buyers will be drawn-up with a view to a buyer being confirmed in December or early next year,” he said.
“Ourselves and Severn Trent are both looking for a responsible purchaser, and we are looking for someone who has experience in managing an upland estate, which is what Vyrnwy is.”
When asked if the community would get a chance to question potential serious buyers, he responded: “It is unlikely that will happen unless the individuals agree to it themselves.”
Meanwhile, Mid Wales Housing Association, of Newtown, has expressed an interest in taking on properties on the Lake Vyrnwy Estate.
Adrian Adierman, a director of Mid Wales Housing Association, said: “We would be interested in purchasing the housing on the estate and bringing it up to modern day standards.
“We would keep the existing people in their accommodation and ensure affordable accommodation in the future.”
Cllr Baynes added: “There has been interest from people both inside and outside of Wales who want to buy the estate in lots or as a whole, but the impression I get is the sale is likely to go as a whole rather than in lots.”
The third public meeting, organised by Llanwddyn Community Council, will be held at the Llanwddyn Community Centre on September 27 at 7pm.