A hotel and apartment development is finally taking shape in an exclusive seaside village – with opinion divided on the new building. This project has been a long time in the making with planning initially secured at the Whitehouse Hotel site in Abersoch almost a decade ago.
That hotel was demolished in 2016, after it was branded “an eyesore” by locals. Developers then said the new hotel would be built by spring 2019.
That date came and went and the scheme was not even properly started, never mind completed. It was then taken on by developer Providence Gate Group Holdings.
Originally the scheme was due to commence in 2020 but was halted by the Covid-19 pandemic. But last year work finally did start on the multi-million pound project that includes 42 hotel rooms and 18 apartments, with Bespoke Hotels brought in as operator.
The site is now taking shape just off Lon Pont Morgan on the much sought after coastline in the Gwynedd village where beach huts can cost over £200,000. This week Ruben Owen posted a picture of the hotel taking shape on Abersoch Appreciation Page on Facebook and there were strong views on it – both positive and negative.
When it came to those who were not impressed one person compared it to “Benidorm” – not a place with much in common with the well heeled village.
Another said: “That’s definitely a carbuncle on the landscape” and another said it “Looks more Vale Do Lobo than Abersoch tbh(to be honest)” – in reference to a resort in Portugal.
A third said: “OMG!! I find that horrendous!”
But it was certainly not all negative with many welcoming investment in new luxury tourism facilities.
One commented: “Abersoch has needed something like this for years” and another added: “Look good when it’s finished”. The economic boost was commented on with a person saying “More jobs, more income to tourism”.
Construction of the Ty Gwyn Abersoch Hotel
(Image: Ruben Owen)
Ruben himself said he was “definitely” in favour of the new development. He said: “I think the new hotel development in Abersoch by Bespoke Hotels is a fantastic and much-needed addition to the area. It has the potential to create year-round opportunities, bring in jobs, and attract more visitors, all of which will benefit the local economy and community.
“While change often sparks debate, it’s important to recognize that not all change is negative. This development is a great example of positive progress. Compared to the abandoned hotel, derelict work huts, overgrown mess, and potholed car park that once occupied the site, this project represents a huge improvement and a bright future for Abersoch.”
The site is due to open later this year.
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