Llandudno Pier Pavilion architect talks about the £15m scheme…and reveals some of the rejected designs

The architect behind the £15m restaurant and apartment complex at the Pier Pavilion site in Llandudno has spoken about the scheme that he believes can finally fill the eyesore site.

These pictures show the evolution of the plans for the key site next to the pier that has lain empty for more than 20 years after fire destroyed the old pavilion building in 1994.

Developer Alan Waldron will build 54 high-quality apartments, two restaurants, and underground car parking if the proposals are given the green light this summer.

They say the project will create around 100 permanent jobs and many more temporary construction roles, and that two food giants are waiting in the wings to take on the restaurant space.

But it has proved controversial – attracting dozens of letters of objection, with Mostyn Estates and the pier owner Adam Williams among those opposing the plan.

Now Alwyn Rowlands, director of Creu, the firm behind the designs, has spoken about the year long process from inception to completion, before the plans were sent to Conwy council in March.

He said: “The task was very challenging; to design a building within a site which had been vacant for 20 years in an area of outstanding natural beauty surrounded by listed buildings – it is one of the most architecturally sensitive sites in Wales.

“Initial proposals looked to draw influences from the previous and surrounding architecture with a stepped back form, curved roof reminiscent of the original pavilion building and arched openings as a continuation of the Grand Hotel elevation.

“A consultation period last summer concluded that a simplified and unique architectural language should be adopted for the proposed development.

“It was considered that we were trying to do too much with elements of Victorian, art deco and modernist architecture all competing for prominence, with the overall effect distracting from the splendour of its surroundings.

“As a result we looked at it again and together decided the best way forward – objectives outlined by the Design Commission – was to simplify both the form and materials to adopt a more minimalist style.”

To do this before another consultation in November, Creu broke-up the external “envelope of glass” exterior with functional balconies and glass handrails.

Modern twist

Character was provided by patinated copper cladding reflecting the town’s rich mining history.

They were in agreement there also needed to be a modern twist to represent the region’s cultural and economic progress.

“There needed to be the beacon of a new start, as the old pavilion closed down as a leisure facility in the 1990s having not been used as a theatre for years,” said Alwyn.

Developer Alan conceded there would be temporary traffic measures on Happy Valley Road – the road will not close – but hopes residents and business owners will be supportive of the development long-term.

“We have spoken to many people locally in preparing these plans and they are in agreement something needs to be done about this site, which has been an eyesore for too long and detracted from its beautiful surroundings,” he said.

Alwyn added that the “construction technique” will be considered carefully to mitigate as much disruption as possible.

Do we still want to be looking at empty plot in 50 years?

“The site is of such significance that of course it should encourage a balanced debate, and we have been open to feedback and input so we can come up with the best possible development for the area,” he said.

“Our duty is to consider ourselves looking back at Llandudno in 50 years’ time; will the site still be a hole, will we still be debating what to put there, will we be looking at an empty plot next to a derelict building?”

Alan believes that while this is an opportunity to regenerate a site lost to the town for many years, the scheme must also be viable to it is sustainable for generations to come.

This is a large development and needs to be so it is of a high quality, particularly the foundations and tanking to get to ground level – which includes retaining original columns,” he said.

“This final stripped-back version resulted in a hybrid scheme between the copper lantern and the glass box which partially obscured the balcony to provide a vertical rhythm and solar shading.

“Balcony overhangs will allow the residential units and at restaurant level to benefit from solar shading particularly during the summer.”

Unlikely that whatever is put there will meet approval of everyone

He said that by providing a clear route for the public realm to integrate through the development from public walkway spaces accessed off Happy Valley Road or pier level, it will ensure that visitors and local residents will enjoy the fresh and vibrant new space to appreciate this spectacular location.

There is the intention to provide an external space emulating a piazza feel, which will itself ensure a natural attraction.”

Alan added: “Given the prominence of the site it is unlikely that whatever is put there will meet with the approval of everyone.

“This is a building that draws references from Llandudno’s rich history, but also has its own identity and we truly believe the town would be proud of it.”

The scheme is expected at the planning committee this summer.