Architect Bala North Wales | Rhys Llwyd Davies

Jubilee Buildings

Jubilee buildings in Dolgellau is an unusual building for it's setting, as a modernist concrete frame structure and rendered façades being typical of the international modern style (constructed circa 1937), this is a town of medievel character, dominated by stone built structures and slate roofs. Originally built with retail on the ground floor and office space above, it has since had various uses, but became vacant with the built fabric deteriating.

Rhys Llwyd Davies was the architect for a rennovating this unique building as part of the Dolgellau Townscape Heritage Initiative.  This includes restoring the outwards appearance, in keeping with the original 1930's style, while dividing the upper floors into an apartment and speculative office space.  Construction work was completed in April 2011 with Rhys Llwyd Davies acting as architect from the outset. What was previously a building ignored by many as an embarassment to the town, it now has a positive impact on the town's image and economy.

 

Jubilee buildings stand on the corner of Smithfield Street and Heol
Glyndwr in Dolgellau. It is an unusual building for Dolgellau, with a
concrete frame, rendered façades, steel windows and a flat roof, but
is typical of the international modern style of the time (circa 1937). It
has three floors, currently divided into two uses, a shop unit on the
ground floor with storage in the basement and a vacant office / flat
above. It appears that it was originally built as offices with retail
space on the ground floor. A planning application approved in 1997
(reference – NP5/57/586), established the use as retail (A1) and
office (A2) but there is some evidence that the upper floors have also
been used as a dwelling in the recent past. There is no planning or
Building Control record of a change of use to a dwelling but it is
recorded as a dwelling for council tax purposes. It is currently vacant
and not in a condition for either use, while the external fabric is also
in need of repair.