By Andrew Forgrave

Copyright dailypost

Plans to transform a landmark building in Gwynedd have been given a major boost. A disused 19th century hotel in danger of falling into disrepair has received a six-figure grant to progress proposals to turn it into a community and arts hub – and restore pride to Pwllheli’s high street.

Y Tŵr, opened in 1877 on the site of an old shop and tavern, has a grand Italianate frontage and was an important part of the town’s social history. But its closure in 2019 was seen as a threat to community cohesion and symptomatic of Pwllheli’s economic and cultural decline.

A plan to rescue the building was hatched in 2022 with the launch of community group Menter Y Tŵr. With Pwllheli “badly in need of the attractions and facilities”, it was hoped the property’s revitalisation would boost High Street footfall and help address the town’s lack of high quality pubs, restaurants and hotels.

The proposal was embraced by local people. They fondly remembered Y Tŵr’s restaurant, ballroom and Boathouse bar, and were determined to “avoid the building falling into the wrong hands”. A £60,000 deposit was raised within 24 hours and the final £400,000 purchase was raised by late 2023. In total, shares worth more than £500,000 were issued to the community.

In November 2024 a two-storey old extension at the rear was demolished and a new extension is planned. Ultimately, it’s hoped more money can be raised to renovate the building’s interior and redevelop the courtyard, coach house and stables at the back.

One idea is to use this area for pop-up stalls and artisan vendors similar to Caernarfon’s Slate Quay and Liverpool’s Baltic Market. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now – here’s how to sign up

Y Tŵr’s roof and windows were renovated by Easter 2025. Summer brought the most obvious sign of progress when scaffolding and protective coverings were removed to reveal the building’s new colour – a golden yellow chosen by the community.

“It felt like unwrapping a long-anticipated gift, “said Menter Y Tŵr. “Finished in rich, golden paint, Y Tŵr now glows like a bar of gold, radiating warmth and energy across the town.

“Its symbolism is open to interpretation, but its impact is undeniable.”

In another major step forward, Menter y Tŵr has just received confirmation of a £215,790 grant from the National Lottery Heritage Fund. This will prepare the way for a full “Delivery Phase” application with the aim of securing enough money to realise its vision.

The application will be submitted within the year. Carys Owen, chair of Menter y Tŵr, is delighted. She said: “This grant will enable us to work with partners, consultants, and our community to shape the project in detail, ensuring it is sustainable, accessible, and meets the needs of our community now and in the future.”

As well as paying for detailed business planning, the money will fund architectural designs. It will also enable the development of an interpretation and activity plan to ensure the project creates long-term benefits.

The ground floor will remain as a bar with a restaurant and/or a cafe. The biggest change will be on the first floor where the old ballroom and dining area will become a large community space.

Here, a kitchen will be removed and, along with other smaller rooms, these will be converted into community meeting rooms or co-working spaces.

The second floor will remain as hotel accommodation with 11 rooms, while the third floor attic will be divided into a pair of self-catering suites. Get all the latest Gwynedd news by signing up to our newsletter – sent every Tuesday

Other plans include Y Tŵr’s inclusion as a Ecomuseum hub so Pwllheli’s heritage can be celebrated. It’s also hoped the hotel will become a showcase for art and, by stimulating employment and culture, help to keep young Welsh speakers in a town that’s the gateway to the Llŷn Peninsula..

Menter y Tŵr said its vision is to “create a vibrant community and heritage centre in the heart of the town, celebrating its history while at the same time offering new opportunities for learning, wellbeing, and culture”.

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