Council Considers Tenders for Disposal of Conwy’s Bodlondeb HQ

The ‘disposal’ of Conwy’s Bodlondeb HQ is a step closer.
The council is now considering tenders from interested developers for the building on Bangor Road, Conwy, following a deadline for the submission of proposals.
The cash-strapped authority is looking to centralise staff at its flagship £58m Coed Pella building in Colwyn Bay whilst raising funds by leasing its current grade-two listed headquarters on a long-term let.
The building has been listed on property website Rightmove for several weeks.
A spokeswoman for Conwy County Council said: “Feedback from the market testing exercise earlier this year was presented to the office Accommodation project board to shape the next stages of the process and the invitation to tender documents.
“The council then invited tenders from interested developers and occupiers, with a closing date of 28/05/24, with Avison Young acting on behalf of the council.”
She added: “Once the tenders have been assessed, a report will be presented to scrutiny committee and cabinet this summer seeking a decision on the disposal of Bodlondeb offices and a preferred bidder.”
Councillors approved the office accommodation strategy part two last year and agreed that a full business case should be developed, including detailed costs and potential savings, for locating all the council’s office services at Coed Pella in Colwyn Bay.
The woodland, war memorial, cricket ground, tennis courts, and children’s play area are not included in the proposal.
The council also say public access will be retained in certain areas that are within the offered site.
Rightmove says: “The grade-two listed building enjoys an elevated position on the outskirts of Conwy, one of Britain’s best-preserved medieval towns and overlooking the River Conwy with views towards the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Conwy Castle.”
Part of Bodlondeb includes an original Victorian house dating from 1877, as well as a ‘sympathetic 1990s extension’ and extensive grounds. The building also has 107 spaces with additional car parking at the front and rear of the property.

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter