Urban Change Urban and Industrial change - Dolgellau Dolgellau is one of the oldest settlements in the area of Wales. The industry in the area generally began in the 1800s with the beginning of the industrial revolution. In terms of the town’s development it is increasing. Generally the area is limited to develop and many of the traditional functions are declining. One example of industry was the enterprise park which contained companies such as Nimbus Foods, Milliput, beer and wine wholesalers and metal sign companies. the whole of the premises on the site are not fully occupied; this could suggest that the park is not 100% successful. The main urban process taking place in the town is regeneration, with many older buildings which are no longer in use being revitalised and converted to other uses. For example, old hotels are now being used for housing for the local residents. In one particular case though the original use of the building has been maintained by keeping the hotel’s name sign. There are no high-technology industries in Dolgellau; most of the businesses are residential services. These are small scale producing a wide variety of goods. The reason for this could be due to the difficulties in accessing the area, and the high rent costs of the large areas of flat land. In years gone past, the main economic activity was mining, mainly in gold. There were two mines, but more recently there has been a decline, resulting in only one mine remaining. Generally the main processes taking place in the area are sub-urbanisation and economic restructuring. Difficulties remain because of the limits to development. Along with sub-urbanisation and economic restructuring the community is encouraging tourism to try and keep more of the towns Suzanne Fex.