The historic mansion was being considered for a £19m five-star boutique hotel development just four years ago but is now crumbling
The 200-year-old mansion has deteriorated significantly(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
Concerns have been raised that a former mansion, which was being considered for redevelopment as a five-star boutique hotel just four years ago, will collapse in the next two years.
The Grade II-listed property in Blaenavon, which is missing most of its roof, was built nearly 230 years ago. However fears are now growing that Ty Mawr could crumble before reaching that milestone in 2028.
Whilst the majority of the roof has collapsed what remains consists of either rotting wooden frames or precariously-balanced slates while peeling paint, cracked mortar, and boarded-up windows indicate the house has long surpassed the point of minor restoration.
Viewed from behind it is also evident where walls have buckled and fallen away, exposing the building’s internal timber structure. Love dreamy Welsh homes? Sign up to our newsletter here.
There had been hopes that a £19m redevelopment would have transformed Ty Mawr, which translates as Big House, into a thriving hotel. However a bid for UK Government funding in 2022 proved unsuccessful.
A huge section of the roof is missing(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
Since then the privately-owned property, situated opposite Blaenavon’s World Heritage Centre, has continued to deteriorate behind a steel fence bearing a sign that warns: “Dangerous buildings, keep out”, alongside the usual security and CCTV monitoring signs.
Nick Horler, independent councillor for Blaenavon, raised serious concerns regarding the condition of the building, also known as Blaenavon House, at Torfaen Borough Council’s most recent meeting.
He described the property as “an integral part” of Blaenavon’s world heritage status, granted by United Nations body Unesco in recognition of the town’s role in the development of the iron and coal industries, and said it is held in the “memories of many residents”.
Cllr Horler explained that while many residents may be unaware the property is privately owned he requested the council provide an update on both short-term and long-term plans for it.
Warning signs surround the Grade-II listed property in Blaenavon(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
Joanna Gauden, Torfaen Borough Council’s cabinet member for the economy, said the council expects to receive an update shortly on the building’s condition following a grant awarded by Welsh historic buildings body Cadw.
She said: “The council previously worked with the private owner of Blaenavon House/Ty Mawr to bring forward proposals for a five-star boutique hotel. A Levelling Up Fund application was submitted to the UK Government in 2022 to fund this aspiration but unfortunately that was unsuccessful.
“In the meantime the council has secured Cadw grant funding to update the structural survey, the condition survey, of the house which was previously undertaken as part of the Levelling Up Fund application process. We anticipate we will receive the results of this survey by early April.
“This report will assess the current condition of the building and recommend any urgent works that are required to retain the building and protect it from any further deterioration and the report will also be used to help inform what further options will be available going forward.”
A visual produced by Richard Andrews Architects showing what Blaenavon House could look like with investment(Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service)
Cllr Gauden noted Ty Mawr is recognised as a “key priority” in Blaenavon’s placemaking plan and in the world heritage management plan.
Cllr Horler said he was “sure” local residents would welcome the response and dedication to the building “that will shortly fall down because it is in such a mess”.
Ty Mawr was constructed for ironmaster Samuel Hopkins in 1798 and remained under the ownership of the Blaenavon iron company serving as a base for directors during the Victorian-era summer grouse hunting season as well as a family residence for directors and managers.
During the 1920s it became the headquarters of the Blaenavon Medical Aid Society, a forerunner to the NHS, and functioned as the town’s hospital until 1980 when it was converted into a residential care facility, the Beeches Nursing Home, which ceased operations in 2006.
