Caernarfon market hall plans thrown into doubt

A CONSORTIUM’S £1m plus plan to redevelop an historic market hall has been thrown into doubt after its application for a premises licence was rejected

Business owners, Caren Wyn Lloyd, Nicholas Pritchard, Graham Lovell and Joey Brownley wanted to transform Caernarfon’s old market hall into a museum and performance space, with retail and catering area.

Their ambitious plans included opening up the impressive cellar space in the hall as a museum to celebrate the town’s history, with a complete renovation of the building’s main hall to include new business units, and a retractable stage for performances, plus catering units and a brasserie.

That bid won planning approval in December last year and the scheme seemed to be on track, at least until the decision by Gwynedd Council’s central licensing committee last week to reject their application for a late night licence at the hall.

The licence application had sparked an outcry from existing bar, club and business owners as well as local residents, as it would allow alcohol to be served until 1am.

It would also have allowed films, plays and entertainment to be performed and allow live and recorded music to be played, as well as dancing.

The owners of Caernarfon’s two main nightclubs, Cofi Roc/K2 and Medi Cafe Bar made written representations objecting to the granting of a late licence.

A solicitor acting on behalf of Cofi Roc, Jonathan Smith, wrote: “Of all the applications I have ever dealt with over the years since the Licensing Act 2003 came into force, this must be the messiest and least prepared application I have seen.”

He also called into question the suitability of some of those involved in the consortium.

“Some of those involved in this venture are also involved in a nightclub in Bangor where there are allegations of breach of condition and where we understand concerns have been raised over the level of assaults.

The owner of Medi, John Tyrrell, added: “In my opinion any new late licence issued will disrupt my business and have an adverse affect on my new restaurant, not due to competition, but due to disorder.”

Palace Street resident Lorna Gannon said: “I do feel strongly that public safety will be compromised if such a licence goes ahead.”

And while North Wales Police did not object the licence bid, they called for 14 conditions to be placed on the application, including the installation of CCTV cameras.

These arguments must have swayed the committee members, although a council spokesman was unable to give

A Gwynedd Council spokesman said: “Having considered the licensing objectives as set out in the Licensing Act 2003, members of Gwynedd Council’s licensing committee refused permission for this particular licensing application for the Market Hall in Caernarfon. A full notification of the decision and reasons will be sent to the applicant in the coming days.” The applicant has a right to appeal against the decision to the magistrate’s court (within a period of 21 days from receiving the decision letter).”

No-one from the consortium was available for comment but spokesman, David Williams, told the Herald in January that there would be no increase in crime and disorder in Caernarfon as a result of the redevelopment.

He also rejected the personal criticisms of consortium members and described the Cofi Roc solicitor’s observations as being “based on fiction”.