A SHOP that’s lain empty since the closure of a north Wales bakery chain two years ago could be given a new lease of life.

Castle Bakery was established in Beaumaris in 1885 and over the next 131 years built up a chain of shops in the area – serving over 1m customers a year.

But in February 2016, workers were given the bombshell news that its shops in Caernarfon, Bangor , Menai Bridge, Holyhead and Beaumaris were all to shut out of the blue.

But at least one of the former stores could now be given a new lease of life after a planning application was submitted for the former Caernarfon shop on Pool Street.

Submitted by Mr H Williams of Bontnewydd, the plans include converting the empty building from a bakery and cafe to three residential units and a smaller ground floor shop, including replacing the windows on the upper floors as well as carrying out external repairs.

If given the green light, the design and access statement notes that where possible, local contractors would be employed to undertake the works and supply the required materials, thereby supporting and sustaining the local economy and workforce.

It goes on to note, “The proposed changes are not considered to have a detrimental impact on the local character or appearance of the area.

“The property is located within the Primary Shopping Area and within the defined Town Centre of Caernarfon.

“The current proposal intends to convert the property in to 3nr residential apartments and reduce the size of the existing ground floor bakery shop and café and convert to a smaller shop unit.”

Management from Castle Bakery have never explained the reason for the sudden closure of the business.

They did place a message in the window of the Bangor and Caernarfon stores thanking customers for their support. It read: “It is with great regret that we are closing our shops. It is the end of an era.”

Its expected that Gwynedd Council planners will make a decision in due course.