Co-working space planned for listed Colwyn Bay landmark

Conwy County Council has been recommended to approve proposals to convert the grade-two listed 7 Abergele Road into co-working, offices, and events space, designed by architect Purcell.

Built in the 1930s, the grade-two listed building has been empty for some time and was formerly home to a cash-and-carry.

The proposals by Purcell include the removal of existing signage and shutters to the front of the building, described as “unsympathetic” to the local surroundings; these will be replaced with a bronze and glass canopy designed to echo the building’s original entrance.

Interior spaces will be extensively refurbished with original features due to be restored. The ground floor and basement are due to house co-working, offices, financial and professional services, and events space; while the first and second floors will be given over to office use.

Some of the space on the ground floor could also be used as restaurant, although the tenant mix has yet to be finalised.

Planners said the council’s committee should be minded to grant the proposals, despite the plans not meeting the requirements of the retail policies set out in Colwyn Bay’s development plan.

“The need to convert and retain the listed building outweigh the need to comply with the associated planning policy,” said a report to the committee. “The proposal should be supported as it aligns with the regeneration aims of Colwyn Bay and the need to preserve and enhance buildings with cultural and heritage importance.”

Previous proposals for the building include a ground-floor restaurant, a first-floor office, and an apartment on the second floor, which was approved in 2012 but never progressed.

A planning application to convert the building into office and food-and-drink use was also submitted but was withdrawn in May 2017.