OUTDOOR adventure seekers will be guaranteed a unique experience next week when Cardigan’s former police station opens its doors as a specially equipped and tastefully converted hostel.
Guests can sleep in the 19th century cells, the judge’s chamber and the custody suite while the magnificent courtroom now serves as a spacious dining room and sitting area.
The hostel is the brainchild of 4CG, the not-for-profit community benefit charity whose aim is to regenerate Cardigan town through a wide range of initiatives. And its latest venture in Hostel Hedd, translated as ‘peace hostel’.
“When Cardigan police station closed its doors for the final time back in June 2010, 4CG became aware at the outset of its tremendous potential,” commented 4CG director, Shan Williams.
“It’s a magnificent building that’s steeped in history and is situated in a prime location so we felt it was important to adapt it for people who are visiting the area for outdoor pursuits such as walking, canoeing or cycling. And being able to offer these visitors a hostel such as this right in the centre of the town is going to support the local businesses significantly.”
The old police station was built in 1895 and continued to serve the town for the following 115 years. Adjoining the police station is the courthouse which was used on a regular basis throughout the week until its closure in 2010.
The renovation has been carried out in a comprehensive manner with the result that a dry room is available for wet suits as well as racks for the storage of canoes, kayaks and bikes. The hostel sleeps a total of 28 people with the result that groups can be easily accommodated.
Many of the station’s original Victorian features have been retained, including doors and signs while two false ceilings that were removed from the courtroom revealed a magnificent, vaulted ceiling.
The former interview room is now a disabled toilet with an adjoining fully disabled wet room while the custody suite which is where officers used to take fingerprints, is a dormitory that sleeps eight. The judge’s chamber is an en-suite family room that sleeps five while the three adults cells and one juvenile cell have been used for toilets and a shower room. The courtroom is the main recreation area comprising a dining room and sitting area while a large kitchen with three ovens, two sinks and two fridge freezers occupies the police station’s former front and rear offices. The first and second floors are used for office space.
“Yes, it’s a very exciting project which we’re sure is going to bring a lot of interest and subsequent trade to the town,” added Shan Williams. “And this was the reason why 4CG was established in the first place back in 2010. All the money we make is reinvested back into Cardigan.”
Previous 4CG projects have included the short stay car parks in Chancery Lane and Pwllhai as well as the charity’s commitment to providing support to new business ventures wishing to establish in Cardigan town centre.
It is expected that Hostel Hedd will be ready to accept its first visitors next Monday (March 27), and all enquiries and bookings can be made via Cardigan’s holiday letting agency at Ty Annie.
