Plans for historic Old Mona Hotel in Caernarfon revealed
The striking building on Shirehall Street was once the Hen Gwesty Mona – the Old Mona Hotel.
Cyngor Gwynedd has received a change of use of offices into five residential flats, including extension at the rear.
The plans also include air source heat pumps and a new door to the refuse store.
The application has been made by Rhys Carden (Cyngor Gwynedd) through the agent Dewi Hughes (DEWIS architecture).
Plans say the building was originally established as a coaching inn, it served travellers, cashing in on its strategic location near important routes and the once thriving port of Caernarfon.
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Over the years, the inn has changed hands multiple times but historically offered accommodation, food, and drink.
Historic building on Caernarfon\'s High Street could be set for development if planners agree (Cyngor Gwynedd Planning Doc.)
The building is a landmark within Caernarfon and 'showcases traditional Welsh architectural features, contributing to its charm and historical significance and reflecting the town's cultural heritage,' the plans say.
The property lies within the Caernarfon Conservation Area and within the Walled Town which is a World Heritage Site designated by UNESCO.
Hen Gwesty Mona, Caernarfon (Image Cyngor Gwynedd Plnnign Documents)
The nearby town walls and Porth yr Aur are ancient monuments and Grade I listed buildings.
The structure physically adjoins the Caernarfon Social Club on Stryd Fawr and No. 3 Stryd y Farchnad, are both Grade II listed buildings.
The design and access statement says: 'From what we can gather the building was converted from the Mona Hotel to council offices for the council's internal Audit in 1963.
'A rear portion of the building was demolished in the early 1980s to make space for the Council's Dafydd Orwig Chamber which is now linked to the building.
'The building currently houses the council's trading standards and environmental health teams'.
The application states that the council had also identified that the requirement for office space has reduced since the pandemic in 2020, and due to the number of employees working from home having 'increased significantly'.
'As a result a need for housing in the locality has come to light. which secures the longevity of the building' it stated.
The plans note the proposed works are to remodel the interior to form accommodation, and to extend the property to the rear to form homes to Welsh Design Quality Requirements.
The proposal would see the building reconfigured to form five apartments with a central staircase.
The ground floor apartment has been designed to accommodate wheelchair users
They also say by providing a change of use for the building 'will provide much needed accommodation for the town and ensure an existing building is not left derelict and in disrepair'.
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