THE MULTI-MILLION-POUND restoration of Abergele’s Gwrych Castle moved a step closer this week after Conwy Council’s planning committee gave the project the green light.
Two planning applications were put before councillors at a committee meeting at Bodlondeb, which were both unanimously agreed.
Kevin Illiot of the Gwrych Castle Trust applied to the council, seeking permission for the reinstatement of floors and roofs in the grade I-listed castle’s core.
The trust received £2.3m from the National Heritage Memorial Fund in 2023, with additional fundraising money taking their pot to around £2.5m.
The trust will now work to restore the castle over the next five years, with extra funding yet to be secured.
Once the restoration is complete, the castle will then be used as a wedding venue, prestigious exhibition space for significant museum pieces, and holiday lets.
The trust says the venue could employ 200 people during the busy summer season.
Local resident Sam Falkingham spoke in favour of the applications.
“I am a local and love visiting the castle,” he said.
“Due to my age, I’ve only ever known it as a ruin. This project represents the restoration of an historic building as well as the revival of a symbol of heritage and pride for our community and the entire nation.
“This will be after the castle has been left in a ruined state since losing its roofs and floors in 2007.
“After reviewing the planning materials, I believe this to be a critical step in the process of bringing Gwyrch Castle back to its true glory.”
He added: “The restoration of Gwyrch Castle is not just about preserving the past; it is about shaping the future.
“Once fully restored the castle will become a hub for tourism. The cultural and economic impact on North Wales will be profound.”
Cllr David Carr said: “I think it is a great project, and to actually have the castle back is a good thing.”
The work will include:
- Localised repointing in lime mortar
- A new roof structure, combining a mix of traditional and contemporary structural elements, including the integration of insulation
- Reinstatement of the keep wall and towers and the southern wall of the kitchen courtyard, which previously collapsed
- Reinstatement of roof finishes, with gutters increased in capacity to reflect current rainfall and storm events
- New rainwater goods
- The conservation of the remaining floors and reinstatement of missing floors
- Recording and retention of remaining plasterwork and joinery elements
- New below-ground drainage connections
- Holding/conservation works to the existing window frames and temporary glazing to windows.
Cllr Jo Nutall proposed councillors backed the first application, and this was seconded by Cllr David Carr, and both sets of plans were unanimously backed.
