AN EMPTY retail property at Porth Eirias remains on the market more than six months after Conwy County Council relaxed planning restrictions in a bid to attract tenants.
The council successfully applied to change the permitted uses for the building on Colwyn Bay Promenade in December after telling a planning committee it had received “no interest” in vacant units.
Councillors heard how the existing conditions were too restrictive.
At the time, a planning report said all the retail spaces had been vacant since November 2024, with only one unit having been occupied since October 2023 because the permitted uses were “too narrow”.
Planning permission for the water sports centre, granted in 2011, had previously restricted retail sales to water sports clothing and equipment.
Consequently, councillors unanimously approved the changes, allowing unrestricted retail sales and permitting rooms to be used as offices or a gallery.
No changes were proposed to the restaurant, changing rooms, or boat store.
Despite those changes, the council is still advertising the workshop and retail space at Porth Eirias for rent.
The Rightmove listing describes the beachfront unit as being available for “immediate occupation, subject to the landlord’s consent, planning permission, and building regulations”.
The adverts states: “Porth Eirias is an impressive and iconic development located on the beachfront, right at the heart of the new waterfront improvements at Colwyn Bay, commanding breathtaking views of the bay and Rhos-on-Sea.
“Currently hosting the award-winning Bistro and Cafe developed by Welsh celebrity chef Bryn Williams, creating a vibrant setting within.”
The advert says the workshop has both roller shutter and standard door access and can be used for purposes within the A1, B1, D1, and D2 use classes, although A3 food and drink use is not permitted.
Speaking when the application was considered in December, Cllr Alan Hunter said: “I just propose we go with it. Anything that can be done to make use of these spaces I welcome.”
The retail property is available for rent at £583 per calendar month or £7,000 per annum.
