A “tired and dated” imposing 1960s building in the heart of Aberystwyth could be redeveloped after ambitious plans were hatched to turn it into flats.
The five-floor, 42-flat development has been proposed by Ellis Developments for the former Crown Building which faces on to Plascrug Avenue.
The office building, formerly used by the Welsh Government, has laid empty since 2013 and developers argue that “the employment facility in its present use class is no longer viable”.
The site has been marketed for development since 2017.
An attempt to turn it into student accommodation in 2009 was refused by Ceredigion planners, but allowed by Welsh Government inspectors on appeal. That scheme never came to fruition.
The plans will see the development of 13 one-bedroom apartments, 26 two-bedroom and three three-bedroom penthouse flats, along with office space.
Under the plans, the existing BT exchange on the ground floor would be retained and the scheme does not include the side elevation of the building towards Stanley Road, which is under separate ownership.
A pre-planning report by Geraint John Planning on behalf of the developers said the current building “is not currently used in an optimal manner”.
The scheme is in the pre-planning consultation phase, with a feedback deadline of 16 March.
The plans can be viewed at www.geraintjohnplanning.co.uk/current-consultations/crown-building-aberystwyth.
To respond to the consultation, email [email protected] or write to Office 16 (House 1, 2nd Floor), The Maltings, East Tyndall Street, Cardiff, CF24 5EA.
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