Search starts for Caernarfon Harbour contractor

Caernarfon Harbour Trust is looking to appoint a construction partner for its comprehensive regeneration of the town’s Slate Quay by next spring, with the development due to open by 2020.

The council has issued a tender notice for the scheme, which has been backed by £3.5m from the Heritage Lottery Fund and the £15m EU-funded Caernarfon Tourism Attractor Destination project.

Plans for the harbour include bringing historical buildings back into use as artisan shops and workspace, targeted at businesses including microbreweries, crafts, and artists. Some of these workshops will be housed in new-build units throughout the site.

The grade two star-listed Harbour Trust Office will be retained as part of the proposals.

Restored buildings will also be used to provide boutique-style tourist accommodation, operated by Caernarfon Harbour Trust.

The redevelopment will link closely with the town’s neighbouring castle, with infrastructure and access improvements planned as part of the proposals. Purcell is architect for the scheme.

Contractors will be invited to tender for the project by March 2018, with work expected to start in the summer. The project is anticipated to take around 13 months to complete, and it is hoped the workspaces and units will be ready for occupation in January 2020.

Cllr Ioan Thomas, chair of the Harbour Trust, said: “Bringing these abandoned buildings back into life will not only create jobs and enhance the local economy by providing an additional attraction for residents and visitors, it will help secure the future of Caernarfon’s historic waterfront and town centre.”

Alongside Purcell, the professional team also includes Civic Engineers and Max Fordham MEP Engineers.