The spa town’s Automobile Palace, built more than 110 years ago, has been undergoing extensive renovations for months after falling into disrepair and disuse in recent decades.
The historically significant Grade II listed building was eventually purchased by Powis County Council (PCC) in 2021, following an internal refurbishment and refurbishment of ground floor and ground floor ‘rentable’ units and common areas. , has submitted a planning application for listed building permission. region.
This was approved in August, and local government ministers last week confirmed for the first time the work undertaken in recent months.
Llandrindod South County Councilor Pete Roberts posted photos on his social media pages of the wide range of activities that have been and are still being carried out.
Roberts said in a post on his Facebook page on October 25th: “Yesterday I had a very interesting site visit with my Cabinet colleagues touring the interior of the Auto Palace.”
“In addition to the DWP (Department for Work and Pensions), there will be two tenants on the upper floors, one with a standard office environment and the other with an industrial feel with full views of the original ironworks.
“Alongside the bicycle museum downstairs, six units from the central plaza will be available for pop-up markets and similar events.
“Interior work is expected to be completed early in the new year, while the exterior walls are progressing on a similar schedule. Intentionally left unfinished.
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“Design work is currently underway for the residential elements of the site, and a site survey for contaminants is scheduled following completion of the refurbishment works.”
PCC’s application covered units 1 to 6, the ground floor foyer area and bicycle museum, and unit 9B and ground floor common areas.
The aim of the £3.3 million refurbishment and conversion works is to provide Llandrindod and the wider community with a fit-for-purpose, business-focused facility.
A previous planning application to renovate the building was approved last year.
Planning director Natalie Hynes said in August: “The historic structure, character and design of the entire building will be maintained and will be minimally affected by the proposed development.”
“The proposed works are therefore considered to be compliant with the relevant planning policy and the recommendation is one of conditional consent.”
Automobile Palace was originally known as ‘Sports Palace’ when it was built in 1911 at a cost of £11,000. It was created by Welsh cycling, automotive and engineering pioneer Tom Norton, and his name is still engraved on its front.
He opened a bicycle shop in 1899 in the Old Market Hall, Llandrindod High Street, close to the station, before turning his attention to motorcycles and automobiles in the early 20th century.
He started one of the earliest public bus services in Wales in 1906 and eventually became the Welsh dealer for Ford and Austin cars and Ferguson tractors.
By the time the building was expanded in 1919, his company was known as Automobile Palace Ltd and had stores in North Wales.
The word “Aircraft” on the 1919 section of the building is a remnant of Tom’s attempts to promote aviation locally. Near the former Rock Park Hotel was an airfield where flying exhibits were held. In the 1930s, flights to London and other cities were available from the town.