Colwyn Bay's Imperial hotel For Sale:
ONE of Colwyn Bay’s most iconic buildings is for sale with fears that it could be turned into flats.
The Imperial Hotel on Station Road is on the market after a pub was forced to close.
It shut its doors two weeks ago due to falling numbers.
Now, the historical building which faces the train station is on the market freehold which could see the building bought and developed.
The former hotel is now on the market for £850,000.
The spacious property comes with four floors and space for development. It has already attracted interest from developers.
Cllr Bob Squire hopes the site isn’t transformed into flats or houses of multiple occupancy.
“I would be dead against that.” he said.
“We’ve got an abundance of flats, more than we need. They wouldn't get the planning permission.
“It is a big opportunity to regenerate. The Imperial is a perfect place in Colwyn Bay, it really needs something welcoming.
“I would like to see something developed more attractive for families.
Former manager of the Imperial pub, Eric Mills said: “It’s quite sad it’s closed but that seems to be the way of the world at the moment.”
The pub is currently owned by Manchester brewery, JW Lees.
Pub Operations Director, Mark Welch said: “We haven’t taken this decision lightly.
“The business has been running down. It’s been dropping year on year.
“There’s a serious problem in Colwyn Bay that the authorities need to address.
“Colwyn Bay is beset by problems in terms of the cost of alcohol and with late night drinking and revelry on the streets.
“Colwyn Bay is a very difficult place to trade.”
The building is under Chester based property firm, Wild Commercial. Director, Daniel Wild said:
“We’ve had a reasonable amount of interest.” said Mr Wild.
“It’s quite early days. most have been from investors keen to redevelop the building. There’s a lot of space and potential in the building. It’s a reasonable price and no doubt there’ll be some interest. I can’t discuss what types of interest there area but obviously they would need planning permission before they can change the building.”
http://www.northwalesweeklynews.co.uk/conwy-county-news/local-conwy-news/2010/09/02/iconic-colwyn-bay-hotel-on-market-for-850k-55243-27181453/