Road closure update in Gwynedd seaside village as summer gridlock fears

North Wales Live

14-05-2025

A seaside resort is facing months of road closures that risk causing summer gridlock. In April Cyngor Gwynedd announced action was being taken to curb the dangers posed by a collapsing hotel in Tywyn, Gwynedd.
They said emergency action was needed at short notice to protect public safety due to the condition of the Corbett Arms Hotel. At the time the closure orders were put in place for 12 weeks.
The council has today extended that to six months with the roads affected including the A493. This extends the closures over the peak summer holiday period.
The council said: "Following a significant collapse at the rear of the building in January of this year, the Council took immediate action to protect the public, this included the partial closure of a road, the erection of security fences, and continuous monitoring of the building. A project group has been convened by the Council with a range of expertise to manage and implement the response to the issue and Cyngor Gwynedd continues to consult with Cadw.
"Despite efforts to protect and ensure the long-term use of this Grade II listed building, its condition has continued to deteriorate with a further collapse on the roof of the ballroom at the end of February. As a result of concern of another collapse and the need be in a position to take immediate action to protect public health and safety, the Council commissioned a specialist company to erect the scaffolding along Maengwyn Street and part of Corbett Square and carry out pre-preparation work on site for specialist machinery.
"This means that we will be able to react immediately if further emergency work is required due to another collapse or evidence arising from the ongoing monitoring work. Urgent action was required to temporarily close Maengwyn Street, Corbett Square and Red Lion Street to traffic from 17 April and to install purpose-built scaffolding to protect the safety of nearby residents and businesses and the general public.
"The Council has now taken the difficult but necessary step of extending the closure of these roads to traffic for a period of six months. This is required to allow time for the determination of the application for Listed Building Consent which will be submitted shortly by the Council, to be determined by Welsh Government Ministers.
"It will also allow for any consented works to make the structure safe, including or possible deconstruction of part of the building to be completed whilst ensuring the safety of nearby residents and the public in general.
"As a result, the length of Maengwyn Street (A493), Tywyn will be closed to vehicles from its junction with Brook Street travelling westerly up to Corbett Square (A493) as well as Red Lion Street. Signs are in place to explain the alternative route.
"The Council fully appreciates the impact on local residents and businesses and apologise for any inconvenience, but the temporary road closures are required to ensure public safety. If the required work on the Corbett Arms building is completed before mid-November 2025, the Council will re-open the effected roads as soon as possible."
They added: "As part of the application for Listed Building Consent process, all interested parties will have the opportunity to make representations during the consultation period. These representations will be considered by Welsh Government Ministers prior to the determination of the application.
"Unless there is another collapse or evidence that the condition of the building is deteriorating to such an extent that the Council must respond urgently, other than preparatory works, the Council will not carry out demolition work until listed building consent has been approved by Welsh Government Ministers.
"The Council will continue to assess the remainder of the building, before considering any further action, taking into account the structural condition, public safety and the listed status of the building."