Corbett Arms Hotel Tywyn

The condition of the Corbett Arms Hotel building has been a cause of concern for Cyngor Gwynedd and the local community in Tywyn for some time.

 

The Council’s priority has been to ensure the preservation, refurbishment and to secure a long-term use of this Grade II listed building.

 

Cyngor Gwynedd’s Building Control Service has issued several notices over the years, under the Building Act 1984, and has had to undertake work to protect the safety of the public.

 

The condition of the building has continued to deteriorate and there was a significant collapse at the rear of the building in late January of this year, with a further collapse of the ballroom roof at the end of February. 

 

The Council has had to take immediate action to protect the public at the time of the initial collapse which has included partial road closure, erection of safety fencing and continuous monitoring of the building.

 

Cyngor Gwynedd has also assembled a project group with a range of expertise to manage and implement its response to this matter and the Council is also consulting on a regular basis with Cadw as well as the Royal Commission.

 

Following careful consideration of specialist advice regarding the structural condition of the building, having regard to public safety as well as the fact the building is listed, the Council has no option but to submit an application for listed building consent for demolition works.

 

Furthermore, the Council is also putting arrangements in place to carry out emergency demolition works to the building, as well as other measures that are required to protect the safety of the public.

 

Gareth Jones, Assistant Head of Cyngor Gwynedd Environment Department: “Our objective as a Council has been to preserve this building which is an important part of the town’s history, and bring the building back into use.

 

“Ensuring that a building is maintained to the required standard is essentially the responsibility of the owner.

 

“The Council has had to carefully consider the risk to public safety and the building’s status as a Grade II listed building.

 

“This decision to submit a listed building consent for demolition work and putting plans in place to undertake the emergency demolition work has not been taken lightly. We understand the significance of this historic building and concerns of the local community.

 

“However, the condition of the building has deteriorated to a point where immediate action is now required to protect public health and safety, and sadly there is no other option.”

 

The Council will now be submitting an application for listed building consent to Cadw for demolition work.

 

Cyngor Gwynedd will also be contacting nearby residents and updating them on plans related to emergency demolition works, including any measures such as temporary road closures that will be required, to further protect the safety of the public.

 

Notes:

 Over recent years, the Cyngor Gwynedd Building Control Service has issued the following notices regarding the Corbett Arms Hotel building:

 

• Eight notices under Section 78 (dangerous buildings) of the Building Act 1984
• Three notices under Section 79 (Ruinous and dilapidated buildings) of the Building Act 1984