A BANGOR City councillor has described plans to alter a landmark as part of the construction of the £35 million Pontio centre as “sacrilege”.
Bangor University want to remove the lower wall, steps and paths around the War Memorial Arch on Deiniol Road to provide disabled access at the new arts and innovation centre.
Cllr Derek Hainge, told a meeting of the planning and amenities committee: “The arch and its surroundings are part of the war memorial and are sacrosanct.
“It’s absolute sacrilege even to think about the idea.”
The proposal also includes a new stone wall next to the main arts building terrace next to Penrallt Road and a lift for the disabled to the terrace.
The area around the arch would be resurfaced to match the landscaping around the new Pontio building.
Bangor University believe that the changes will improve disabled access to the terrace from the proposed students’ union terrace and College Park and from Glanrafon Hill.
The centre will include a 500-seat theatre, a multimedia centre, a studio theatre, facilities to show films, open foyer access areas and social spaces.
The arch was opened in 1923 in memory of the those who lost their lives in World War One and stands opposite the Cenotaph on Glanrafon Road.
Asbestos removal is underway at the students’ union building and Theatr Gwynedd and is due to be completed by the end of the month.
Construction work is to begin in August and is expected to be completed in 2012.
Cllr Bryn Hughes, who is also branch secretary of the Bangor and District British Legion, told the meeting that Legion members would urge councillors to object to the wall being removed.
Councillors recommended that the disabled lift should be approved but turned down any change to the arch’s lower wall and steps .
However, some residents supported the plans when asked about the issue in Bangor yesterday.
Charlotte Taylor, 22, a mathematics postgraduate student at Bangor University said: “I think a ramp is a good idea as long as they do it in way that is in keeping with the existing stone type and traditional appearance.”
Mr EW Jones, 78, a mobility scooter user, added that he thought the improvements were a good idea.
A planning application for the proposals has been submitted to Gwynedd Council.
A Bangor University spokesperson said that the university and other organisations spent £200,000 to refurbish the arch in 2009 and that its structure and façade would not be changed.
She added: “The plans have been developed in consultation with officers from Gwynedd Council, and if suitable alternative suggestions are made we would be more than happy to adapt our plans accordingly.
“This next step will further improve the surrounding area and open access to the Arch from all directions and also makes the Arch an important feature within the new Pontio project.”