A competition with a £1,000 prize has been launched to find a new use for an historic building in Rhos on Sea.
Work to restore the Pumping Station, in Penrhyn Avenue, is nearing completion – but its future remain unclear.
The developers have now made a renewed plea for ideas what to do with the masterpiece of Edwardian architecture.
As added incentive, Macbryde Homes are offering £1,000 to the person who comes up with the right idea.
To qualify for the prize, the idea must result in somebody taking over the building either by buying it or renting it on a long-term basis.
The Pumping Station was built in the early 1900s using red Ruabon brick and has been designated as a Grade Two listed building because of its architectural importance.
The original plan was to convert it into offices with 22 parking bays outside but the economic climate has meant there are no takers so far.
Now Macbryde Homes are looking to find a new and fitting use to secure the future of the landmark building.
Company boss Simon Macbryde said: “The Pumping Station is a delightful building and the architecture and the Ruabon brick and terracotta details make it really attractive.
“The building was in quite sorry state when we took it over because all the windows had either been boarded up or bricked up.
“It had been empty and unloved for years so the restoration work has been painstaking and faithful in terms of period detail.
“We have worked closely with a conservation architect representing the restoration organisation, CADW, to ensure that we have done everything correctly.
“The air bricks had been vandalised over the years and we have commissioned exact replicas so they can be replaced
“The roof and the steel trusses have been completely and lovingly restored.
“What we have done is to restore the fabric of the building so that it can be here for another 100 years and more.
“We have deliberately not done a huge amount to change the interior because we don’t want to restrict any potential uses.
“Although it was originally a functional municipal building it is a fine example of Edwardian architecture at its best and would have cost a substantial amount to build.
“It could of course be used for offices but there are many other possibilities and we are keen to hear from local people.
“The options are endless. It could become a suite of offices, a restaurant, a community centre or an adventure play centre.
“We’ve had a number of expressions of interest but nothing has come of them.
“It is such a fantastic building that it really does deserve a worthwhile future and we are determined to bring it back to life again.”
Anybody with an idea to find a new use for the Pumping Station should contact Caryl Hughes by ringing 01745 536677 or emailing [email protected]
