A hotel and apartment development in an exclusive seaside village is finally taking shape but it’s causing a stir among locals. The project, located at the former Whitehouse Hotel site in Abersoch in Gwynedd, was initially granted planning permission nearly 10 years ago.
The old hotel, which locals had labelled “an eyesore”, was demolished in 2016 with developers promising a new hotel by spring 2019. However that deadline came and went without the project properly starting.
The scheme was then taken over by Providence Gate Group Holdings. Originally set to begin in 2020 the project was delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
But last year work finally started on the multi-million-pound project, which includes 42 hotel rooms and 18 apartments, with Bespoke Hotels brought in as operator. The site, located just off Lon Pont Morgan on the highly desirable Gwynedd village coastline where beach huts can fetch more than £200,000, is now taking shape.
This week Ruben Owen posted a picture of the developing hotel on the Abersoch Appreciation Page on Facebook sparking a mix of positive and negative reactions. Critics compared the building to “Benidorm”, while others described it as a “a carbuncle on the landscape” or more akin to a resort in Portugal than Abersoch, reports NorthWalesLive.
It’s a scenic location
(Image: Ruben Owen)
One individual expressed shock, stating: “OMG! ! I find that horrendous! ” However the sentiment wasn’t entirely negative with many welcoming the investment in new luxury tourism facilities. One person commented: “Abersoch has needed something like this for years” and another added: “Look good when it’s finished”.
The potential economic boost was also noted with one person saying: “More jobs, more income to tourism”. Ruben himself was “definitely” in favour of the new development. Stay updated with our latest breaking news by joining our WhatsApp news community here.
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.”
He added: “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 set to open later this year.