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BTP transforms historic Holyhead building into affordable homes for care leavers

Specialist Conservation Architects, BTP Architects, in partnership with Isle of Anglesey County Council, has successfully completed the restoration of Plas Alltran in Holyhead, delivering four new affordable apartments for local people.

The £1.5m project has transformed the previously derelict Grade II-listed former doctor’s surgery, which was once listed as one of the ten most endangered buildings in Wales and England by the Victorian Society.

The new one-bedroom homes are designed for single and two-person households and are available for affordable rent. Historic building conservation specialists Recclesia, M&E specialists Hulley, and structural engineers Caulmert worked with BTP Architects to deliver the project over a two year period.

Plas Alltran’s sensitive restoration has preserved much of the building’s historic character, while introducing modern energy-efficient measures to meet residents’ needs.

The project team worked closely with conservation officers and the Welsh Government’s historic environment service, Cadw, to agree restoration methods and materials. Original external walls and slate tiles were retained wherever possible, with lost features such as door mouldings, cornices, and stair spindles carefully recorded and faithfully replicated using traditional methods of craftsmanship.

The listed status of the building meant that windows needed to be preserved, so a standard ventilation system wouldn’t work in this case. Instead, a state-of-the-art Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery (MVHR) system was installed as the most practical energy energy-efficient ventilation system.

Insulated lime plaster was used internally, which provides exceptional heat retention to the building and keeps carbon emissions for the project low.

Andy (Kwok) Wan, Director at BTP Architects, said: “Plas Alltran is a fantastic example of how careful restoration, mindful design and successful partnership working can come together to create sustainable, affordable homes.

“This project safeguards an important part of Holyhead’s heritage whilst creating affordable homes.

“Every element of the design was considered not just for its conservation value, but for how it could support the well-being, dignity, and future of its residents.”

Finance & Housing Portfolio Holder, Councillor Robin Wyn Williams from Isle of Anglesey County Council, said: “This development provides high-quality, affordable homes in the heart of the community, while also bringing a treasured local building back into use. It reflects our wider commitment to delivering housing that meets real need, in a way that respects the character and heritage of our island.”

Jamie Moore, Director at Recclesia, said: “Bringing Plas Alltran back from the brink of complete loss was a real challenge. By working collaboratively with BTP Architects and Anglesey Council we have managed to save this wonderful building in a way that retains its historic integrity at the same time as providing modern living space.

“The conservation outcomes on this project are exemplary thanks to a cohesive team with the right expertise.”

The restoration not only provides much-needed housing in Holyhead whilst keeping the project low carbon and energy efficient, but has also removed a key historic building from the At Risk Register, which includes structurally unsound and vacant historical buildings.

The development reflects Anglesey Council’s ongoing commitment to bringing heritage assets back into use and creating community-focused housing. The Council wish to thank Welsh Government and CADW for grant funding, without which, this project would not have been possible.

BTP Architects is proud to continue in its long tradition of working on projects that preserve local heritage and deliver real community benefit.

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