After repeated requests, Gwynedd Council has now sent SAVE the council's engineer's report which proposes the large-scale demolition of the grade II listed Corbett Arms Hotel.
The report raises serious questions about the amount of demolition proposed for the very substantial grade II listed former hotel in the heart of Tywyn.
SAVE is calling on the council to convene a roundtable meeting with all parties involved to find an alternative solution to demolition.
Jon Avent, director at Mann Williams, an independent conservation engineer appointed by SAVE has reviewed the council’s report and raises serious concerns about the justification for the extent of demolition proposed.
On reviewing the report, Jon Avent says: “I am deeply concerned at the extent of demolition proposed, which I consider unjustified. I have not seen evidence that repair options have been considered, and where demolition is proposed I have also not seen evidence that it is necessary or justified.
"Having been involved with many buildings at risk and many in significantly worse condition, none have been demolished to the extent proposed on this building. I am also seriously concerned that the extent of demolition proposed as the starting point is excessive and will create instability in the building where previously none existed.
"We would consider this a reckless and ill-judged approach by the council and to the serious detriment of the building. I would reiterate my view that extensive demolition is not required or necessary.
"A pause to enable the council's engineer to respond to reasonable concerns and to engage in constructive dialogue is required. This would be reasonably expected under the requirements of existing guidance and to be able to demonstrate that the council are only progressing the minimum works necessary."
Urgent questions for the council to answer:
The council's report states urgent and major demolition is required but does not present sufficiently robust evidence to support this position. What is the evidence that the building is in imminent danger of collapse?
The report states the council has consulted a demolition contractor for advice on the methodology of making the building safe. We are concerned that other options to stabilise the building have not been sufficiently considered or tested. What evidence can the council show that they have thoroughly explored options for stabilising rather than demolishing the building?
The council report dated 8 April is of ‘advisory status’. Can the council confirm the status of the report, and that Cadw have been consulted on this version of the report and supports the proposed demolition?
The ongoing decision and consultation process for any demolition beyond what is demonstrated as urgently necessary is unclear. Can the council explain how this process is being controlled and who is administering the works so that only the minimum necessary work occurs?
- Will the council leaders pause the planned demolition to allow these urgent queries to be answered, and bring together the council’s engineer, Cadw, and Mann Williams to find an agreed way forward?
Background
The grade II-listed Corbett Arms Hotel is believed to be set for demolition in the next few days – despite a huge local outcry and new evidence commissioned by SAVE that casts doubt on the council’s justification for flattening it.
The handsome four-storey hotel is one of the most prominent buildings in the heart of Tywyn, on the edge of Snowdonia (Eryri). It’s been “the star” of its North Wales community for nearly 200 years and hosted the likes of the Beatles legend and his family.
While it has fallen into disrepair in recent years, a buyer is reportedly interested in reviving it. The local chamber of tourism and commerce says this could create dozens of jobs – which would be a huge boost for this small town. But chamber chair Mike Stevens says the council has ignored all this and is blindly set on demolition.
After two sections at the back of the 1833 building collapsed, the council is understood to be planning its wholesale demolition this week. But SAVE, which added the hotel to its Buildings at Risk register a year ago, questions the need for demolition.
Following repeated requests, the council have shared their engineer’s report, dated 8 April 2025, with us. Specialist conservation engineer, Jon Avent, director at Mann Williams civil and structural engineers, has reviewed the report and expressed strong concern over the methodology and justification for demolition.
Under S.117 of the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2023 it is an offence to carry out unauthorised works to a listed building unless it can be shown that the works were urgently necessary in the interests of safety or health, or that the works carried out were limited to the minimum measures immediately necessary.
Notes to editors
For more information contact:
e: lydia.franklin@savebritainsheritage.org
t: 020 7253 3500
- SAVE Britain’s Heritage is an independent voice in conservation that fights for threatened historic buildings and sustainable reuses. We stand apart from other organisations by bringing together architects, engineers, planners and investors to offer viable alternative proposals. Where necessary, and with expert advice, we take legal action to prevent major and needless losses.
