Grade II Listed Castle Gift Shop in Caernarfon to Undergo Major Facelift

A grade II listed gift shop building in the shadow of Caernarfon Castle looks set to get a major facelift after being decribed as an “eyesore”.
The well known  two-storey, five-sided Castle Gift Shop in Caernarfon town centre could soon be renovated to its original state if Gwynedd planners agree.
The brick built, cement-rendered shop on Castle Hill is the subject of a planning application to Cyngor Gwynedd. The prominent, polygonal building has three exposed façades which face the castle and slate quay.
The justification for work on the historic property, which has a slate Welsh slate roof is, the plans say, to “save a listed building from dereliction”.
The application’s heritage statement also describes the building in an “advanced state” of wood rot and with “extensive indications” of structural instability.
It is hoped a programme of repairs will see the “restoration of the original  appearance and character of a modified listed building”.
The application for listed building consent has been received by Cyngor Gwynedd from Aled Davies-Jones. According to the plans “the building had become a serious eyesore in a prominent and sensitive location”.
It adds: “Business is hampered by the appearance of the building, ingress of draughts and damp and energy costs. Continued dilapidation would signal the end of any business activity and hence maintenance, eventually rendering the building unusable.”
The proposed work would “restore the building in general and re-open two blocked up windows with traditional sashes with double glazed units and replace two modern windows with traditional ones”. The plans would also address any “indications of structural weakness,” including work on lintels and cracks.
“Depending on what structural defects and stability problems are found, these works may involve the safeguarding of the entire building.” the plans state.
“Either way, they would constitute pro-active conservation in that they would be reinstate the original character of a prominent listed building and giving an appearance more appropriate and complimentary to the Castle’s setting and the town’s heritage.”

By Dale Spridgeon – Local Democracy Reporter