The Grade II listed property has been operated as a Youth Hostel since the Second World War and will give UCLan students additional opportunity to put their academic learning into practise.

Following a network-wide review, YHA agreed the building should be closed and sold in October 2008 as it requires substantial amounts of investment.

But it is now scheduled to close in August to allow UCLan to implement a £1 million upgrade with a view to being fully operational by September 2008.

YHA Cymru Wales Manager, Anna Williams, is delighted that a sale has been agreed and that the building will continue to play a part in the local community.

“This excellent scheme proposed by UCLan forced us to rethink our plans and bring forward the sale,” she said.

“For decades, groups of young people have been enjoying activities and learning about the magnificent countryside of north Wales from this location.

“Consequently, we’re delighted it will continue to offer educational opportunities and bring young people to the area.

“We would have liked to have remained at the site but simply do not have the funds required to invest in the building, so we’re happy UCLan intends to transform it into a first class facility.”

Anna added that all efforts would be made to relocate the staff employed at the site and that UCLan had requested employees register their details if they want to be approached directly about future job opportunities.

Dr John Minten, Head of the Department of Tourism and Leisure Management at UCLan regards the new premises as a major step forward in improving the University’s facilities.

He said: “At the moment we operate broadly similar opportunities in Penrith, Cumbria, but Llangollen provides an excellent location for the type of education and training we aim to provide our students.

“The presence of a higher education establishment in the area will generate custom for local businesses and add to the economic activity in the region.

“Part of the building is already used by a commercial company offering a range of outdoor experiences to schools, colleges and businesses, and we are exploring the possibility of developing this relationship further.”