A former developer headquarters in North Wales might be transformed into an apart-hotel, tapping into the region’s tourism potential.
- Built in 2018, the £1.3m headquarters fell into administration in 2019 after financial setbacks faced by GM Jones.
- Pharma Group Holdings acquired the site in 2022, planning to convert its excess office space due to a post-pandemic surplus.
- The proposed change aligns with Welsh Government’s aspirations to enhance tourism and economic growth in the Conwy Valley.
- Pharma Group, with extensive experience in tourism, aims to partner with a leader in visitor experiences for this venture.
The former headquarters of a development company in North Wales is set for possible transformation into an apart-hotel as part of new development plans. The property, built at a cost of £1.3 million in 2018 with substantial backing from the Wales Economic Fund, ceased operations when GM Jones encountered financial difficulties, leading to its administration in March 2019. Since then, the building has largely remained unused.
Revitalisation of the site began in 2022 when Pharma Group Holdings, a Conwy-based company with diverse interests in the healthcare, tourism, and wellbeing sectors, took possession of the property. While they have utilised parts of the office and warehouse spaces, the lower section of Llys Gwydir remains unoccupied. Attempts to lease this part of the building failed, largely due to an oversupply of office space in the area following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Given the challenge in finding office tenants, Pharma Group has applied for approval to convert the unused segment of the building into a tourism accommodation. A planning application states that this transition is in line with the Welsh Government’s goals to leverage prime locations, such as the Conwy Valley, for tourism and economic advancements. Furthermore, Pharma Group intends to engage a joint venture partner to manage the facility, ensuring a high calibre of visitor experience.
The application highlights the logical choice to repurpose a high-quality facility, potentially invigorating the local economy by participating in a sector crucial to Wales’ economic future. Pharma Group’s owner brings two decades of expertise in tourism, already boasting five-star accommodations within their portfolio. Hence, the conversion not only aligns with strategic regional goals but also capitalises on existing operational capabilities.
The planned conversion of this former headquarters into an apart-hotel reflects a strategic move to revitalise the site and contribute to local tourism and economic growth.
