MANSION TO OPEN TO PUBLIC
Event will canvas opinion on owners’ proposals for estate future:
THE developer behind plans for a holiday and homes development at an historic mansions estate near Caernarfon has revealed three concepts for the site.
Paul and Rowena Williams, who are undertaking the £20m restoration of Glynllifon into a luxury hotel, also bought the Plas Brereton and Plas Tŷ Coch sites in February.
They have now unveiled three potential schemes for the site that they want to consult on with the local community.
The couple are throwing open the doors to Glynllifon on Sunday, June 24, and Monday,y, June 25, (see full story page 6) for people to take a look at these plans and give their view on each of the ideas.
They then plan to use this feedback to prepare a pre-planning application for Gwynedd council.
Paul Williams said securing planning permission was crucial for making this 21-acre site viable and helping to generate funds to complete the Glynllifon mansion and park project.
He said the existing planning permission for the Brereton estate site was not viable and that was why this site had never been developed.
Mr Williams said: “The site has lain empty now for almost two decades and a number of attempts have since failed to reinstate the buildings into a sustainable and active use.
“The site is unappealing and its listed and notable heritage assets, Plas Tŷ Coch and Plas Brereton, are now in a severe state of dereliction. Being the main approach into the town from the north, it does not give a good first impression of Caernarfon to incoming visitors and tourists and is a blight for local residents.
“Our plans are wider than just the Plas Tŷ Coch and Plas Brereton site, and, if successful, will generate an investment in excess of £50m into the town and surrounding areas, creating in the region of 300 local jobs , offering a range of services that will also create further significant jobs in the supply chain. The aim of the concept is to have a mixed-use site of leisure, retail and residential.”
Here are the three concepts:
CONCEPT ONE
The first project would see a new-build hotel in the centre of the site, with Plas Brereton used as an auxiliary facility to the hotel.
Plas Tŷ Coch would be transformed into a residential development, with more homes in the walled gardens. The quay would be expanded into a small marina development, with moorings, and there would be luxury housing in the grounds behind the site.
There would be further luxury homes behind the sea wall on the edge of the Menai Strait.
The Lôn Las Menai cycle path would need to be diverted, taking people through the centre of the development grounds. This proposal proved controversial when first mooted.
CONCEPT TWO
The second proposal involves the creation of ‘Porth Brereton’ – a small ‘fishing village’ around an expanded marina on the existing quay site. This would include bars, bistros and shops, surrounded by serviced holiday accommodation.
There would be a development of luxury homes at Parc Brereton, with Plas Brereton at the centre of that development.
Plas Tŷ Coch would be expanded and become a hotel, restaurant, pool and gym.
Along the Menai Strait, there would be luxury homes with moorings along the banks.
There would be no change to the Lôn Las Menai route, with overground and underground routes between the various parts of the mansion estate.
There would be garden created in the centre of the site.
CONCEPT THREE
The third plan would see the site divided into several areas. Plas Tŷ Coch would be restored, along with the walled gar- dens, and that area turned into apartments and six terraced dwellings.
Along the Menai Strait coastline there would be 22 holiday lodges erected. The area between Plas Tŷ Coch and the lodges would see 17 properties built with two, three and four bedrooms.
There would be a 100-bedroom new-build hotel built behind Plas Brereton, with the mansion restored and used as an auxiliary building.
A restaurant would be built between the holiday lodges and the marina with a café also on the quayside. There would be further houses around the marina area and a development of holiday homes to the north-east of Plas Brereton.
OPEN DAYS
Sunday June 24 and Monday June 25. Visitors can comment on these proposals and the plans for Glynllifon mansion and park, and also proposals for Seiont Manor Hotel in Llanrug.
Visitors are requested not to bring bags with them if they wish to visit Plas Glynllifon and are advised that parking is limited and will be provided on a first come, first served basis. Groups and large parties can request guided tours – however, these are limited. Register at www.plas-glynllifon. com and provide some basic information.