Hydro-Electric Powerstation

Cadw's description

Location

Located immediately to the W of the main road on an island between it and the main railway line, on the downhill approach to Blaenau Ffestiniog from the Crimea Pass.

History

The underground quarry at Llechwedd was opened in 1846 by J.W. Greaves and by the end of the century had become one of the largest and most successful in the area; in 1882 the quarry employed 553 men and had an output of 25,118 tonnes (24,723 tons), a record at the time. The quarry switched from steam to electric power c1906 and the power station was contructed at this time soley to serve Llechwood. The water is piped down from reservoirs on the Moel Bowydd; the station is still in use.

Exterior

Single-storey building of slate with slate roof; half-hipped gables and deep verges and eaves. 4 large small-paned wooden cross-windows on the long railway-facing side. Single-storey entrance porch with boarded door and half-hipped slated roof; weather-coursing at intersection with main block.

Interior

This remains almost entirely unaltered since its construction with the original twin system of turbines and generators still in use. Turbines by Gilbert Gilkes and Co of Kendal, operating 175kw DC Johnson and Philips generators at 385 RPM. General Electric switch gear with meters by Lionel Robinson and Co. of Thames Ditton. 8-bay roof with plain bolted king-post trusses; contemporary 5 ton gantry crane.

Reason for designation

Listed Grade II* as an exceptionally important, still operational example of an early hydro-electrical power station.

Group value with neighbouring listed items at Llecwedd.