Corbett Arms Hotel Tywyn update

As reported previously, the condition of the Corbett Arms Hotel building has been a cause of concern for Cyngor Gwynedd and the local community in Tywyn for a number of years.

Ensuring that a building is maintained to the required standard is the responsibility of the owner. Despite repeated efforts to ensure the preservation, refurbishment and to secure a long-term use of this Grade II listed building, its condition has continued to deteriorate.

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 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.

As a result of the ongoing monitoring of the building, urgent action must be taken to temporarily close Maengwyn Street, Corbett Square and Red Lion Street to traffic from 17 April onwards, with limited access for business deliveries on Corbett Square and Red Lion Street. It is anticipated that the road may be closed for 8 to 12 weeks but this will be reviewed regularly.

The Council apologises for any inconvenience to residents and businesses and that these emergency actions have had to be implemented at short notice on grounds of public safety.

As reported previously, 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.

Unfortunately, the condition of the building has deteriorated to a point where immediate action is required to protect public health and safety.

As a result, the Council has commissioned a specialist company to lead on the emergency demolition and safety works. As part of this work, they will start to erect scaffolding on the building from 17 April in order to allow them to begin the necessary demolition works.

Notes:

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

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• 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