The Proposed Sale of Gwrych Castle
The proposed sale of Gwrych has raised many questions in the heritage world as to methods of sale of nationally important buildings. There are a huge number of cases where such sales by auction have merely attracted speculators without the funds or capability of rescuing the building: the result has invariably been to make matters even worse than before, as new owners gradually become aware of the extent of the problem they have acquired, and then try to off-load the property to others of similar incapacity.
Sale by auction is considered by most heritage organisations as quite inappropriate as a means of securing the future of a historic property. Furthermore, it is generally seen that guide prices are considered to be incorrect bearing in mind that the cost of restoration will greatly exceed a properties’ current value.
At Gwrych, heritage organisations have made it clear to the local planning authority that they will vigourously oppose any enabling development outside the existing buildings, which because of the nature of the site, is likely to be damaging to the existing structures. The setting is listed Grade II*, and will be protected accordingly by the relevant amenity societies. (See Country Life 8th. September, 2005. Pages 96, 98, &99)
The Trust sees itself as a rescuer of the last resort, and will therefore consider giving full support to a potential purchaser with sound business plans, that can demonstrate the availability of funds for a full restoration of Gwrych Castle. A major concern is that the dereliction of Gwrych over the past sixteen years might well be prolonged by sale to an unsuitable purchaser. Therefore we do not wish to see a repetition which will inevitably result in further deterioration to the historic fabric of this Grade I listed building.
The Gwrych Castle Preservation Trust will continue therefore to work towards securing the necessary funding to acquire the property via compulsory purchase procedure, rescue it and re-market it after it has been put into a saleable condition.
Following filming for a documentary by HTV it has been announced that the sale of Gwrych has been delayed; no new date has been made available.
The auction date has now been set. It is June 2nd 2006
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