AN ONLINE petition has been set up to save a hotel in Abergele which has been shut for more than four years from being demolished.
The Bee Hotel, which closed its doors for the final time in late 2017, is one of two neighbouring sites to be redeveloped into a mixed commercial development and affordable housing for people aged 55 and older, along with improved community space and access.
The location for the development also includes the old Slaters Citroen and Nissan dealership, which closed suddenly in March 2018 after 100 years of trading and then went into administration.
Housing association Cartrefi Conwy is working with contractors Anwyl Partnerships to revamp the 2.3-acre plot of land.
These regeneration plans were announced last August, but Jackie Ford has set up a petition on change.org in opposition to the hotel’s demolition.
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Abergele's Bee Hotel and Slaters sites to be redeveloped
Jackie wrote: “The Bee Hotel is a very important part of Abergele’s town history. The building needs to be saved from demolition for more new builds, which the town’s infrastructure cannot cope with.
“It will be for the over-55-year-olds but the hospitals are full and cannot cope as it is… we are losing all of our town’s history bit by bit.
“Abergele is supposed to be a market town, but all of our markets have gone.”
The petition garnered a mixed reaction on Facebook after it was shared on the “Abergele Noticeboard” group.
One group member, who said they had signed it, wrote: “They don't need to demolish it; just renovate the inside.
“If they demolish every old building , there's our history and heritage gone. Why can't they have the old with the new? There are loads of old buildings been renovated new inside.”
Another wrote that, having been derelict for more than four years, the site is a “wasted space”, while a third said: “It’s not worth keeping - someone would have bought it and done something with it by now if it was a commercially viable project.”
At the time of writing, the petition has received 182 signatures, and can be found at: www.change.org/p/stop-the-bee-hotel-and-coach-houses-from-being-demolished.
In response to this, a Cartrefi Conwy spokesperson said: “This is a key gateway site into Abergele from the west, but it has lain empty for a long time and its condition has deteriorated to the point where it is now a derelict eyesore.
“Without this planned redevelopment, it does not have a viable future and would otherwise deteriorate further.
“In contrast, what we’re proposing with a mix of residential and commercial developments would breathe new life into the site and turbo charge the regeneration of Abergele, providing a major boost to the local economy.
“At the same time, it would help address the growing housing crisis by providing suitable accommodation for people over 55, freeing up more much-needed family homes.
“As part of the formal planning process we will be consulting closely with local people and other stakeholders so we can repurpose this strategically important site for the benefit of future generations in Abergele.”
Councillor Charlie McCoubrey, leader of Conwy County Borough Council (Pentre Mawr ward), added his sadness that the Bee Hotel closed.
But he also encouraged residents to support these plans, which he firmly believes will improve Abergele as a town.
Cllr McCoubrey said: “I have many fantastic memories of great nights spent in the Bee. It was a pub packed with real characters and with its late licence, it was the traditional spot to finish off a night in the town.
“Sadly, due to a lack of support, the pub closed down and with that we also lost the guest rooms which are much-needed in the town.
“Across England and Wales in 2021, 400 pubs closed at a rate of 37 per month. Many are in fine historic buildings and it is really sad to see them gradually deteriorate.
“The closure of the Slater’s site was another body blow to the town, and seeing this entire western gateway to the town abandoned gives a bad impression to a town that is otherwise thriving with a host of successful independent businesses.
“Both sites have been on the commercial market for many years with no interest, so I am glad that Cartrefi Conwy have stepped in.
“As a registered social landlord, they have a much bigger stake in our community than a purely private developer would.
“Any plans that they propose will be subject to a full consultation and I would really encourage people to take part.
“We have a real opportunity to do something different here; not just housing and retail, but something that will bring tangible benefits to the community at large and I look forward to seeing their proposals.
“We have many other fine pubs and eateries in the town and I would really encourage the community to support them and make sure we keep them open.”
Anwyl Partnerships was also approached for comment.
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