Last-ditch fight to save landmark from the bulldozers

New housing is planned for site of ‘beautiful’ building

- By ANDREW FORGRAVE Countryside and Tourism Editor

DISMAYED residents are mounting a last-ditch effort to thwart plans to demolish a “beautiful” landmark building in their seaside town.

The imposing property was built for the biggest independent bus company in North Wales before being acquired by the War Department.

During the Second World War it was occupied by the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers (REME), shortly after becoming a Territorial Army Centre with an armoury and firing ranges.

In its early years, the site also housed the town’s fire station.

Now earmarked for housing, opponents want key features of the White Rose Motor Company buildings - also known as the Prestatyn TA Centre - saved from the bulldozers. These include its corner tower, which incorporates the REME crest and is regarded by many locals as “iconic”.

A petition calling for the 97-year-old building to be saved from demolition received more than 1,100 signatures, while 86% of respondents to a pre-application consultation (PAC) objected to the scheme.

However some people see the building, which closed after 2016, as a deteriorating “eyesore” and have welcomed the prospect of new housing.

Wales & West Housing Association wants to build an affordable 47-home development on the site on Marine Road.