It's said that Rhuthun/Ruthin is the only town in North Wales that doesn't own its own town or city council premises. Is that true? We have no idea. The fact that it doesn't has resulted in an embryonic plan for the council to buy or lease the National Westminster bank when available, in June. The plan has the support of the local MP. The building could then again be open to the pubic, it may in part even house a museum and a tourist information centre.
There's no doubt that there's a certain amount of attachment within the town to the building. It's one of our oldest and it was once in civic use, as the courthouse. It's prominent and it's well-restored. In fact, it's something of a jewel in the St Peter's Square crown.
What alternative uses might there be? As a shop, it will require extensive alterations which, let's face it, should not be made to such a prominent and balanced building.
As a bar/restaurant, there will be less of a need for such butchery of its fabric but it will result in external flues—and internal changes for the kitchen. This may be preferable to a shop but we doubt the market's there for another eatery. We understand that there's already an offer on the table for someone to buy the bank, as a restaurant.
The town council's plan would initially see the NatWest leasing the premises for two years.
All this presupposes that the town council needs its own premises. It's managed by renting since 1974. It seems to me to be the best and cheapest option for the public purse to continue renting. But, this blog would have to lend cautious support to the plan if it will ensure that the premises remain in use and open to the public; and if there were other benefits, notably as a TIC.
What alternative uses might there be? As a shop, it will require extensive alterations which, let's face it, should not be made to such a prominent and balanced building.
As a bar/restaurant, there will be less of a need for such butchery of its fabric but it will result in external flues—and internal changes for the kitchen. This may be preferable to a shop but we doubt the market's there for another eatery. We understand that there's already an offer on the table for someone to buy the bank, as a restaurant.
The town council's plan would initially see the NatWest leasing the premises for two years.
All this presupposes that the town council needs its own premises. It's managed by renting since 1974. It seems to me to be the best and cheapest option for the public purse to continue renting. But, this blog would have to lend cautious support to the plan if it will ensure that the premises remain in use and open to the public; and if there were other benefits, notably as a TIC.