Future Plans for Conwy’s Historic Civic Hall to Boost Welsh Language

Campaigners are hoping their vision for the future of an historic Conwy building as a live music venue, food-hall and cultural activities centre will help boost the Welsh language.

The group, Pwyllgor Cymraeg Aberconwy, has submitted a business proposal and is hoping for a community asset transfer to run the Old Civic Hall.

They estimate the work to renovate the former library and theatre building could cost as much £5.9 million.

The group has partnered with Menter Iaith, Conwy a community‑based Welsh‑language organisation that works to promote, support, and increase everyday use of the Welsh language at grass roots level.

The Grade II listed building on High Street and Castle Street has remained fully vacant since the town’s library moved to the Culture Centre in 2019.

A 240-seat theatre on the second floor, thought to be one of the largest in the county after Venue Cymru and Theatr Colwyn, also ceased operation in 2014.

Incorporating parts of a former 19th century building, following a fire in 1966, the building saw a concrete section rebuilding in the 1960s/70s.

It has a fortified appearance that echoes the castle town’s medieval defensive  walls and gateways.

Owned by Conwy Borough County Council, the authority has been looking to lease or sell the building after previous private development plans stalled.

Nautical Point Limited had planning permission for a mixed use “apart-hotel” granted in the summer of 2024, but the company withdrew its plans earlier this year.

On behalf of the Pwyllgor Cymraeg Aberconwy campaign, Morgan Dafydd said: “Initial ideas include retaining the multi-purpose theatre space on the second floor and developing a unique food and drinks hall on the ground floor

“The theatre, is a unique space within the town which could  host audiences of 250 plus seated, it is well-suited for live music events which would strengthen the ‘night entertainment’ offering in the town.”

A “main aim”   also to “create a centre that will strengthen the Welsh language in the town and secure the future of the building for public use – the focus is on the community,” he said.

The experienced volunteers have already been hosting and organising Welsh language and bilingual events, including Folk on the Quay and Jac Do Gigs, in Conwy town, Deganwy and Llandudno Junction, since 2023.

Their campaign has already received a project viability grant from the Architectural Heritage Fund to undertake project development work, initial building surveys and community engagement.

A recent community consultation questionnaire  and a public drop-in meeting saw a strong reaction from local people.

Mr Dafydd said about 100 people had turned up to the meeting held in the town and around 600 people had responded to the consultation.

He added: “A high percentage of those wanted it to be for community use

“The council had a tender out for it, which closed on July 31, so that everyone interested could make a bid.  They are due to look at all the bids in the Autumn.

“We have submitted our business proposal and what we are going for is a community asset transfer.

“We really hope they will let us take over the building or let us lease it long term, as a not for profit company, and we will  seeks funds to renovate the property.

“It could take as much as £5.9M but we would undertake the work and gather the fund-raising in sections.

“There is a lot of work ahead but it could turn transform the upstairs section, the theatre space, into something on similar lines to Neuadd Ogwen, at Bethesda.

“The downstairs area could be turned into a food hall, similar to places like  Y Maes at Criccieth, or those seen at the Chester and Altrincham markets.

“One of the main objectives of this project, is to raise the awareness of the Welsh language through community events and activities and to restore what really is a fantastic building, right at the heart of Conwy which is in a UNESCO World heritage site.

“We are really hoping the council makes the right decision!”

A Conwy Borough County Council spokesperson confirmed the property was placed on the open market earlier this year.

The deadline for submissions was July 31 and it is now currently considering those received.

“The matter will now go through the usual due diligence processes before being presented to the council’s Cabinet for further consideration and determination,” they said.

“Any proposals put forward for the site would be subject to the usual planning process.”

By Dale Spridgeon – Local Democracy Reporter