Machynlleth’s newly renovated service station is set to begin a ‘soft launch’, opening its doors to test all aspects of the new station’s facilities.

On August 10, the Ascona Service Station in Machynlleth will open its doors to customers who have been waiting six months for fuel services to return to the town.

Construction on the new site began in February 2023, when the old Texaco petrol station on Doll Street was demolished to make way for the new facility, which promised to bring an increased number of fuel pumps, an HGV lane and car wash facilities to the area.

Ascona labelled the redevelopment “extensive”, claiming that the £2.8 million renovation represents their largest investment in Wales.

CEO Derren Briggs said: “We look forward to welcoming customers in once again soon. The redevelopment and modernisation of existing forecourts is at the core of our strategy.”

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The first load of fuel arrived at the newly completed facility on Monday, August 7.

The re-opening means that residents of Machynlleth will have access to fuel services that have been absent from the town for over six months while the station was renovated.

Ascona reportedly looked for alternatives to a complete halting of fuel services while construction was under way, but stated that legislation would not allow them to sell fuel from a mobile storage unit during the redevelopment.

On the long wait for closer fuel services, Cllr Mike Williams said: “It’s important to have an up to speed, modern service station, with facilities for any kind of motorist.

“If closure is what’s needed then so be it, but a six month inconvenience will be worth a long term commitment from a fully up to date station that will hopefully give the town many years of quality service.”

“Any organisation willing to invest £3 million in a new facility is clearly in it for the long haul, and with 12 new jobs on offer that definitely seems like a boost for the town.”

Ascona have stated that this ‘soft launch’ period will allow the site to be open whilst also testing their new facilities and services.

They stated, via social media: “Whilst the site will be generally open, some services may be restricted or not available.

“During this time we will be extensively testing all aspects of the new stations facilities which may mean that there will be downtime on some services.”

This phase will last until August 24 when all services at the station will be open and running.