In the medieval town of Conwy, North Wales, a remarkable transformation is underway. The Old Conwy Police Station, a Grade II listed landmark standing proudly on Lancaster Square since 1859, is being redeveloped into a 19-room eco-friendly aparthotel. This ambitious project is set to breathe new life into the building while enhancing Conwy’s reputation as a must-visit UNESCO World Heritage destination.
For over 160 years, the police station played a vital civic role. Since its closure in 2022, however, the property had stood empty, its future uncertain. Now, with the approved redevelopment, this historic site will once again contribute to the rhythm of daily life in Conwy—only this time as a hub for visitors.
Preserving Heritage, Adding Modern Comfort
The Victorian frontage, designed by architect John Lloyd, will remain untouched, preserving its civic dignity and architectural merit. Behind it, however, a dated 1970s extension will be demolished to make way for a modern, sustainable annex.
The design ensures sensitivity to Conwy’s character. A 2.5-storey extension with a “sunken crown” roofline prevents overshadowing Lancaster Square, while proportions, windows, and materials echo neighbouring heritage buildings. Inside, original spaces such as holding cells will give way to thoughtfully designed aparthotel suites, appealing to both short-stay tourists and extended visitors.
Green Tourism at the Core
Sustainability lies at the heart of the redevelopment. Plans include:
- Solar panels discreetly integrated into the roof.
- Air-source heat pumps to reduce carbon emissions.
- Low-carbon prefabricated materials for efficient construction.
- High thermal performance standards to lower energy use.
These features align with wider goals of sustainable tourism in Wales, showing how heritage properties can adapt to 21st-century environmental standards without losing their cultural value.
A Boost for Tourism and the Local Economy
The aparthotel is projected to generate annual revenues of around £190,000, making it a financially viable addition to Conwy’s hospitality landscape. A café or retail unit at ground level will create new social and commercial opportunities in Lancaster Square, further strengthening its role as a community hub.
For tourists, this redevelopment means more boutique accommodation in Conwy’s historic centre, within walking distance of Conwy Castle, the medieval town walls, and the picturesque quayside. For the community, it represents jobs, investment, and the revival of a key landmark that might otherwise have fallen into disrepair.
Balancing Tourism Growth and Community Concerns
While most welcome the project, some locals expressed concerns about overtourism and the pressure it places on housing, services, and community life. Conwy, like many of Britain’s most popular destinations, grapples with the challenge of balancing tourist demand with resident sustainability.
Objections centred on fears that more tourist accommodation could reduce long-term housing availability for locals and service workers. Others raised doubts about occupancy projections, noting that average accommodation rates in the region have hovered around 50% in recent years.
Despite these reservations, the local council concluded that the scheme’s benefits outweighed the risks, especially when compared to leaving a heritage landmark vacant.
Conwy: A Heritage Destination with Modern Appeal
Conwy’s rich history makes it one of Wales’s most treasured destinations. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town is famed for its 13th-century castle built by Edward I, its remarkably intact town walls, and its quaint harbour. The addition of a boutique aparthotel in Lancaster Square ensures visitors can stay within the town’s historic core, enhancing the visitor experience.
This project also fits within broader Welsh tourism strategies, which emphasise sustainable, year-round tourism that supports local economies without overwhelming communities. By blending heritage preservation with modern eco-friendly design, the new aparthotel embodies this balance.
Looking to the Future
With planning permission secured, work is expected to commence within five years. Strict construction conditions will ensure minimal disruption to residents and visitors, with no work permitted during peak tourist times such as Sunday afternoons and public holidays.
Once completed, the Old Police Station will stand as a living example of adaptive reuse in heritage tourism—a building that honours its past while embracing the future. Visitors will be able to enjoy the unique experience of sleeping in a former civic institution, just steps away from medieval walls that have guarded Conwy for centuries.
🌟 Conclusion
The transformation of the Old Conwy Police Station is more than just a redevelopment project—it is a symbol of how historic towns like Conwy can evolve without losing their soul. By combining heritage preservation, sustainable design, and economic revitalisation, the project ensures Lancaster Square remains a vibrant heart of this iconic Welsh destination.
For travellers, it offers an unforgettable stay in a town where history and modern tourism meet. For locals, it brings fresh life to an old building while supporting Conwy’s future as a world-class heritage destination.
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