Ambitious plans designed by Hughes Architects that would help transform a central canal side area in Welshpool have been put forward by Powys County Council.
Full and listed building planning applications have been submitted for Y Lanfa, a county council-owned property that will form part of a wider regeneration project in the town and along the Montgomery Canal.
The planning applications would see several buildings on the site refurbished, renovated, and extended. It would also create retail space in the historic building which houses the Powysland Museum and the town’s library.
Richard Lewis, Director and Architect at Hughes Architects, which has offices on Berriew Street in the town, lead the design team working on behalf of their client, Powys County Council.
Ensuring the longevity of the complex of buildings
Mr Lewis said: “The main ambition with this project is to ensure the longevity of the complex of buildings at Y Lanfa and Canalside Cottages.
“It has come to the time when an ambitious, yet sensitive programme of refurbishment and renovation needs to be considered, not only to preserve these fine buildings but also to ensure that there is flexibility in terms of usage.
“The intention is to respect the original building language and celebrate the fact that the Lanfa building itself once enjoyed a very simple, unencumbered footprint.
“This programme of works now unpicks all of those previous interventions and ensures that these buildings can be enjoyed for generations to come.”
Y Lanfa currently houses the museum and the town’s library which was relocated there in 2020 when the original library building in the town became council offices.
Mr Lewis added: “We have strived to avoid complication wherever we can, but this has proven somewhat challenging in terms of compliance with disability legislation, as well as the need to bring buildings back into a modern state of usage.”
Doug Hughes, Principal Architect and Managing Director at Hughes Architects said the Y Lanfa project was a significant project for his team in terms of supporting wider economic opportunities as well as the conservation architecture aspect.
Securing and restoring historic buildings
“Our client, Powys County Council, wants to secure and enhance Y Lanfa for future generations by creating a complex that is fit for purpose. Our architectural proposals will ensure the buildings maintain their historic significance in this architecturally important part of Welshpool while enhancing them as a workplace, retail, and community facility,” he said.
“It is good to see the continued investment being made by Powys County Council to support and enhance community, social, and commercial offerings in the area.”
A decision on the planning application is expected by 8 June.
