A DERELICT landmark that dominates the Conwy town skyline could be transformed into a hub for business and tourism, as part of new plans submitted to the council.

The Grade II listed Conwy Civic Hall dates back to 1898, and lies on the site believed to have once been used as a marketplace at some point after the 17th century.

Large parts of the original building were destroyed in the fire of 1966, which lead to the construction of a ‘concrete box’ section in the late 1960s, which comprises most of the site.

North Wales Pioneer: The fire of 1966.The fire of 1966. (Image: Donald Insall Associates)

Chester-based developers Nautical Point Ltd have submitted a proposal to convert the ground floor (the former library) into a food market hall, which would see the reinstatement of Victorian elements.

The plans would also seek the repair and refurbishment of the Victorian entrance, the retention of the storage and toilet block for use as a food kiosk, as well as the creation of a terrace above this block.

The top two floors would be converted into 15 units of aparthotel accommodation, with potential for the creation of a public viewing platform.

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Use of the Conwy Civic Hall has declined since the 1990s, and the building also houses an old theatre/auditorium.

The library closed in 2019 to move to the Conwy Culture Centre, after which the site has remained empty.

The local authority has placed the hall on the open market a number of times in recent years, in a bid to secure private investment for its redevelopment, with up to £3million of investment by pub chain JD Wetherspoon rejected by the council back in 2018.

Nautical Point’s plans would create up to 40 jobs.

North Wales Pioneer: The area in blue is considered detrimental to the heritage of the site.The area in blue is considered detrimental to the heritage of the site. (Image: Donald Insall Associates)

In a Heritage Impact Statement (HIS), consultancy firm Donald Insall Associates said of the proposal: "The proposals include the careful removal of the 1960s additions to the building which are widely considered detrimental to the significance of the adjourning assets as well as the wider historic context.

"This includes the concrete-clad 'box' forming the theatre and the internal walls of the library.

“It is proposed that the primary structural frame of the 1960s development is retained and the existing form is replaced with a new design that responds more appropriately to its surroundings while acknowledging the economic context within which any new development must be delivered."

The application now awaits the decision of council planners, but the move is expected to be welcomed in the community, given many regard it as somewhat of an eyesore.