The national media experienced first-hand some of the foul weather that workers at the summit have endured since the redevelopment began in September 2006. At a rain sodden press gathering, the National Park issued a statement, saying: "At present it is impossible to confirm a completion date or to name a day when a formal opening can take place." The BBC News reported that it is unlikely the visitor centre will be open to the public this year. News of this set-back was broadcast on the national news and a BBC report 'Weather delays Snowdon cafe' can be seen here.


The media filming the media's arrival at Hafod Eryri.

When work commenced it was hoped Hafod Eryri would be open by May 10th. However, the weather has been a continual thorn in the side of the project with last summer's wash-out and the late snow at the end of March dramatically slowing down progress. The Park stated: "No one involved in the project to build Hafod Eryri ever thought it would be an easy job but Snowdon has continued to show why she must be respected by everyone who ventures onto her slopes."


BBC correspondent, Colette Hume, interviewing a worker at the site.

Carillion's Regional Director, Meirion Evans, described the problems and conditions the project has had to deal with "as unique as the location itself." He continued: "I am aware that people will be disappointed at the delays which mean that plans cannot be laid with certainty for opening Hafod Eryri to the public but we could never expect the mountain to give us free rein. We ask everyone to be patient while we work with the conditions and I know that we will deliver a building of which everyone can be proud."


Not many walkers were visiting the summit in the unpleasant weather.

At the summit, Snowdonia National Park Chief Executive, Aneurin Phillips, clearly appreciated the difficult conditions workers have been facing, saying: "I never cease to marvel at the efforts of the contractor's workforce whenever I see the conditions they are working in. The granite walls need to be completed, the building will need to be commissioned and crucially the railway track at the summit needs to be relaid, all of which will take time.


Colette Hume from the BBC asking workers about what's it like to work at
Snowdon's summit.

While the poor excuse for a summer over the last three weeks has hindered work on the outside of Hafod Eryri, the internal works are now close to completition. The floor tiling and toilet areas are finished while most of the oak slats on the interior walls have been fitted.


Most of the oak slats have now been fitted inside the cafe area.

On Tuesday it is planned to start adding the fabric drape ceiling. Around the same time the diesel generators should be commissioned so that the building will have power; with the warming benefit of underfloor heating for the workmen, as opposed to relying on a cramped portacabin to provide some relief from being exposed to the elements at the top of a 1085m mountain all day long.


Hafod Eryri with three-quarters of the roof now finished.

Edwyn Roberts, Assistant Site Manager, described the weather last week as particularly atrocious with a bitter biting wind and yesterday, even hail. Today was the first decent day in a long while. On the busiest day last week two trains took 82 workmen to the summit.


Edwyn Roberts with perhaps the most relevant 'interpretation' flooring tile for
the workmen on Snowdon's summit.

At the end of this week an official statement on the progress of Hafod Eryri's construction is expected. When Carillion last addressed the media, on April 21st, they said there was twelve weeks worth of work left to do.


Building up the exterior granite cladding with an improvised wind-break.