Clwyd South MP welcomes funding boost to secure future of Corwen hotel

The Member of Parliament for Clwyd South has welcomed a funding boost to help secure the future of a hotel in Corwen.

The Owain Glyndwr Hotel is one of six venues across Wales to receive a share of £3.1m as part of the UK Government’s Community Ownership Fund.

The hotel is a Grade II listed building that can trace its origins back to the 14th century.

It served as the site of the first public Eisteddfod in Wales in 1789 and is one of only eight surviving coaching inns along the historic London to Holyhead A5 route.

The current owner of the hotel has been looking to sell in recent years, and there has been a local campaign headed by Corwen Town Councillor Dr David Counsell to purchase and refurbish the site for the benefit of the local community.

The £452,700 in funding will be used help the Owain Glyndwr Community Hotel Limited to purchase and refurbish the Owain Glyndwr Hotel in Corwen.

In addition to the funds from the UK government, the Owain Glyndwr Community Hotel Limited have also independently raised over £164,000 through share sales.

Simon Baynes MP said: “I am delighted by the news that the UK government has approved the Owain Glyndwr Community Hotel Limited’s Community Ownership Fund application.

“The £452,700 awarded will cover top up funding for the purchase, revenue funding to cover any trading shortfalls in the first 12 months and will kick start the refurbishment programme.

“I was very proud to back this campaign and I have been enormously impressed by everyone involved, including Cllr Dr David Counsell and County Councillor Alan Hughes, all of whom should take great pride in their work helping to save this historic landmark for future generations.

“Since I was elected as the MP for Clwyd South in December 2019, I have been particularly keen to support the beautiful town and community of Corwen, which has suffered from a lack of investment.

“I am very pleased to have helped bring significant Levelling Up Fund investment to the town from the UK government so that Corwen can realise its great potential and prosper in the years to come.”