A FOUR-million-pound project to transform a former derelict Victorian market building in Holyhead into a state of the art community space has been shortlisted for three top awards.

The ambitious Anglesey county council scheme to renovate the Grade II listed Market Hall in the town centre was completed in September, 2019.

Built in 1855, the historic building had been neglected for more than a decade before work started in 2017.

The council took on the project after concerns were raised about its worsening condition more than a decade ago

The building now houses the town’s library, a community meeting space and new and growing business offices.

The renovation is short-listed for the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) Awards for Planning Excellence 2020, Excellence in Planning for Heritage and Culture category and Royal institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Social Impact Awards 2020, both in the Heritage and Infrastructure categories.

The RTPI awards recognise 'best practice' by highlighting 'exceptional examples' of planning and celebrating the contribution that planners and planning make to society.

The RICS awards showcases 'world class examples' of how the built environment can have a direct positive social and environmental impact on society.

Securing Heritage Lottery Fund, Welsh Government and European Regional Development Funding, to renovate and re-use the building, meant most of the conservation and reuse project was externally funded.

Heritage Regeneration Project Manager, Nathan Blanchard, said: “We’re delighted to have been able to revitalise this important historic building on behalf of the people of Holyhead.

"To be shortlisted for three prestigious national awards, by the RTPI and RICS, is also fantastic and testament to the perseverance, skill and craftsmanship of everyone who worked on this exciting project.

"It also reflects the invaluable ongoing support of the community through the long process of acquiring the building, securing the funding and the transition from an empty and derelict building, contributing to community life once again.”

Despite efforts to find a solution, the county council was forced to use its statutory powers, which led to the previous owner being served with a Compulsory Purchase Order in 2015.

Following a public inquiry, Welsh Ministers transferred ownership of the building to the Council in late July 2016.

Anglesey’s Planning portfolio holder, Richard Dew said: “Such remarkable large historic buildings are irreplaceable and the story of their use by past generations lost if no one intervenes.

"Such buildings in our townscapes often need to be found different uses if their future is to be secured and new stories for the next generation created.”

“This was an ambitious project which aimed to preserve an important civic building and a significant part of Holyhead’s rich history and heritage.

"It is now a focal point for the community and a meaningful space for its residents and business.”