Laura Ashley

Cadw's description

Location

Facing down Bethel Street; midway along the street, detached to right.

History

Erected in 1838 on the site of the Trewythen Gardens and known as the Public Rooms; cost ú2,200. Built as a wool market, county court and concert room; the North and South Wales Bank opened a branch here in 1875 and the butchers shop Siop Yr Oen was founded in 1883. Later it housed the Embassy (later Gwalia) Coffe rooms and by 1950's the upper part was in use as a cinema (also said to have been used as a Masonic Hall). In 1976 Laura Ashley opened a shop here.

Exterior

3-storey, 5-bay simple classical brick front, stock brick to 2nd floor, painted brick to 1st floor and rusticated cladding to right hand part of the ground floor. Hipped slate roof with hipped projections to paired outer bays; the central bay was formerly recessed and the ground and 1st floors were brought forward probably contemporary with the conversion to a cinema; timber balustrade to 2nd floor 'balcony' onto which there is no access. Mostly sash windows, 6 and 15-pane; modern windows to 2nd floor at right; freestone cill band to 2nd floor. Shop front to Siop Yr Oen altered; projecting fascia below shop sign and pilasters flanking the window and central splayed entrance; figure of a sheep suspended from a 1st floor bracket. Band course at fascia level extends to right across the rusticated cladding of Laura Ashley's; 3 round arched openings with impost band. The left hand arch is slightly taller and has iron gate with overthrow; 8-panel, former bank door to centre and modern window inserted in former doorway to right. Rubble side elevations. Painted ground floor to right with 3 arched openings formerly full height and band course continuing from the front - some blocked openings and indications of having had a balcony. Rubble rear with stock brick dressings; small pane sashes and recessed central bay. Interior has been partly converted but the 2nd floor has one room with fluted corinthian pilasters and bracketed springers for the trusses.

Reason for designation

Group value.