A prominent but long-empty building on Bangor High Street could soon be brought back into active use under new plans aimed at breathing life back into the city centre.
The proposals concern 296 High Street, the former Wardrobe Clothing outlet, which has stood empty for several years. Over time, the unused building has become an increasingly noticeable feature of the High Street, underlining the importance of bringing long-vacant properties back into active use.
Two linked planning applications have now been submitted to Gwynedd Council, setting out a phased approach to regenerating the property and returning it to productive use.
One planning application seeks a Lawful Development Certificate to allow the conversion of first-floor space above the former shop into a self-contained residential flat. Rather than requesting planning permission, the application asks the council to confirm that the change of use is permitted under existing planning rules.
Alongside this, a full planning application has been lodged for further investment in the building. This would create three additional flats – including a studio flat at the rear of the ground floor and flats on the second and third floors – as well as a small rear ground-floor extension.
Importantly, the proposals would retain retail space at street level, potentially helping to reactivate the High Street frontage while introducing new homes above and behind the shop.
Planning documents describe the development as a practical way of tackling vacancy, reusing existing buildings rather than building on new land, and supporting Bangor’s wider regeneration ambitions.
Both applications will be considered separately by Gwynedd Council’s planning department, with decisions expected following the standard assessment process.
