Welsh Government office, Llandudno Junction
Welsh Government office, Sarn Mynach, Llandudno Junction
The Welsh Government’s new North Wales office was officially opened in September 2010 by the First Minister of Wales, Carwyn Jones. It occupies part of the former Hotpoint factory site, where washing machines were made until 1994.
Hotpoint was the main local employer after the demise of Llandudno Junction railway depot. The photos of the factory are shown here courtesy of Conwy Archive Service, which has a large collection relating to the Hotpoint factories here and in Bodelwyddan.
The Welsh Government made the commitment that by 2010 new offices would be established in Merthyr Tydfil, Aberystwyth and Llandudno Junction, giving it a stronger presence in all parts of Wales. The Llandudno Junction office accommodates previous posts from in and around North Wales, posts relocated from Cardiff and some new office support positions. Staff based in the office work for numerous government departments including education, health, children's services, transport and business & enterprise.
The building’s design, by architects Austin-Smith Lord, was inspired by its surroundings. It is the greenest building in the Welsh Government’s estate. Environmental features include a pond for cooling the office’s fresh-air supply, water recycling and a biomass boiler. Local materials were used where possible. Slate from Penrhyn quarry is prominent on the exterior, where detailing in copper is a reference to thousands of years of copper mining on the Great Orme.
Visitors are welcome in the public area known as Y Bont (the bridge), which features a café, exhibition area, publications and free internet access. Librarians are on hand to help the public find documents or online information. It is open weekdays, 9am to 5pm.
The office can also arrange visits for community groups, schools and colleges. Contact: ybontnorth@wales.gsi.gov.uk or 0300 062 5603.
In 2060 a time capsule will be unearthed from beneath the reception area. Buried in May 2010, it contains items from pupils at four local schools, a youth group and employees at the office. A bronze sculpture of a Welsh mountain pony stands near the entrance.
Postcode: LL31 9RZ View Location Map
Website of Conwy Archive Service
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