Llandudno 'Wonderland' development site on market for £2.25m

The land where the second home of Alice Liddell once stood, the girl said to have inspired the Alice in Wonderland tales, has laid empty for years but "a high quality residential apartment scheme" or a healthcare related development could still be built. 

Anwyl Homes had hoped to transform the former Penmorfa site on West Shore into apartments.

Proposals for redevelopment of the Penmorfa were being worked on; a consultation process was due to start in spring 2021 and a full planning application was due to be submitted that summer. 

Images are computer generated for indicative purposes and may not accurately reflect the actual scheme granted planning consent (Image: Legat Owen / brochure)
Sadly, building costs as well as other issues caused setbacks and now the site is up for sale with Legat Owen. The long 900-year lease is on the market for £2,250,000 and expires in March 2922.

A description into the development site, by Legat Owen, states: "Planning permission was granted in 2008 for the demolition of the former hotel (which has been completed) and a scheme of 28 new build apartments over four floors (incl. ground) along with underground car parking.

"The accommodation in proposed scheme comprised approximately 36,200sqft (net sales area). The seller has recently prepared a scheme for 45 new build apartments on the site.

Computer generated [for indicative purposes] and may not accurately reflect the actual scheme granted planning consent (Image: Legat Owen / brochure)
"The long leasehold interest in the property is offered by way of assignment of the residue of a 900-year lease expiring March 2922.

"The property benefits from an extant planning permission for the development of an apartment scheme for 28 large apartments granted by Conwy County Borough Council on 26 June 2008. It is understood that this permission has been implemented."

The description adds: "More recently plans have been prepared for a scheme comprising 45 smaller units on an increased density, with the seller having the benefit of an agreement with the freeholder to increase development density to 45 units from 28, subject to the payment of an agreed overage sum.

"The property will appeal to those seeking a superbly located development site for the potential development of a scheme of high quality private residential apartments, retirement apartment scheme or healthcare related development."

A spokesperson from Legat Owen confirmed that the site is currently "under offer" and that Anwyl are the seller.

They added: "We are presently in advanced negotiations with a buyer, having received interest in the main from developers looking to deliver a high quality residential apartment scheme on the site."

Penmorfa site - The derelict build was demolished in 2008 (Image: Suzanne Kendrick / Newsquest)
Penmorfa was built in West Shore in 1862 for the father of Alice Liddel. It was the second home of Alice Liddell, the girl said to have inspired the Alice in Wonderland tales. The house was added to over the years and became the Gogarth Abbey Hotel.

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In the 1970s scenes for TV adverts for PG Tips were filmed at the hotel, using chimps dressed as humans.

In 2004, designs were released for more than 25 apartments incorporating the Penmorfa hotel but despite a campaign to save the venue, the hotel was reduced to rubble in 2008 by Anwyl to make way for flats. 

In 2017, Artist’s impressions, for 51 single and two bedroom apartments on the former Penmorfa site, were put forward by Anwyl Homes.

In 2018, Anwyl Homes said works were underway to adapt the scheme and planning permission would be requested soon. 

Nothing has ever been built on the site.

In October 2023, Anwyl applied to Conwy County Borough Council for a lawful proposed development certificate for the development permitted by planning permission 0/34235 granted June 2008.

Anwyl said they are unable to comment at this time.