The transformation of a former developer’s headquarters in North Wales into an apart-hotel is under consideration, aligning with regional tourism goals.
- The Llanrwst headquarters, formerly owned by GM Jones, was built for £1.3m and left unused after the company’s administration in 2019.
- New owners, Pharma Group Holdings, acquired the site in 2022 and have plans to utilise part of it for a tourism facility.
- A planning application seeks to convert the Llys Gwydir building into an apart-hotel, leveraging its prime location in the Conwy Valley.
- Local economic benefits are anticipated, with the potential for high-quality visitor experiences through a joint venture management.
The site in question, originally developed by GM Jones in 2018, was supported by a £400,000 contribution from the Wales Economic Fund. However, financial difficulties led the company into administration in March 2019, leaving the property vacant for several years.
In 2022, Conwy-based Pharma Group Holdings took over the site. This company, with diverse interests spanning healthcare, tourism, food, and wellbeing sectors, has since revitalised parts of the site for their use, although the Llys Gwydir building remains underutilised.
As the region contends with surplus office space post-COVID, finding a tenant for the Llys Gwydir building proved challenging. Consequently, Pharma Group has submitted an application to change the building’s use, enabling its conversion into an apart-hotel. This proposal aligns with Welsh Government aspirations for the area, which is seen as a hub of tourism and economic activity.
Should the application succeed, Pharma Group intends to collaborate with a joint venture partner renowned for high-quality visitor service to oversee operations. Their experience in the tourism sector, including five-star accommodations, is expected to enhance the project significantly.
The impending decision by Conwy Council planners will determine the site’s future and its potential contribution to the local economy, particularly in a sector central to Wales’s economic strategy.
The planned hotel conversion of the former developer’s site marks a strategic move to address regional office space excess while boosting local tourism.
