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North Wales ugliest buildings – which one gets your vote? – North Wales Live
They’re arguably the drabbest buildings marring the North Wales landscapes, but which one do you think is the worst of all?
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North Wales may boast some of the most amazing scenery but it does have its fair share of eyesores.
This list highlights the some of the less scenic constructions dotted across the region.
Which one is your favourite – or should that be least favourite – ugly building? Take our poll at the bottom of this story.
Or, if you have another suggestion, email it to welshnews@dailypost.co.uk or tweet to @dailypostwales
Top of the list is Shire Hall in Mold – hardly graced with the same beauty of the homeland of the famous Hobbits.
The black and white office complex – often referred to as “Legoland” looks more like a breeze block with windows.
Nevertheless, Cadw once considered making the 1970s civic headquarters a listed building…seriously!
The original seven-storey structure was designed by the late county architect Robert Harvey, and built between 1966 and 1968 and opened by Princess Margaret in May 1968.
A three-storey glazed extension was erected between 1970-72 until eventually there was a ‘Phase Four’ building between 1973-75. Robert Harvey was also involved in the design of the neighbouring Law Courts between 1967-69 and designed the Theatr Clwyd Cymru which completed the civic complex between 1973-76.
Part of the town promenade’s new sea defences, this has been branded one of the six ugliest modern buildings in the UK, according to Building Design magazine – the people behind architectural wooden spoon run-down, the Carbuncle Cup.
Labelled “the skip-by -the sea”, due to its dumpster-like shape, the multi-million pound development has been criticised for its “oppressive blandness” and “total insensitivity to the surrounding coastal beauty.”
The complex was originally based on a winning design in a competition run by Conwy County Council, but it underwent several changes before construction began.
As if having to go to hospital wasn’t depressing enough without having to endure the soul destroying sight of Ysbyty Gwynedd.
Out of place among some of the picturesque views off the A55, the concrete creation in the suburb of Penrhosgarnedd houses the headquarters of the Betsi Cadwaladr University Health Board.
A monstrously grim example of brutalist architecture at its, well, most brutal. To say it’s a theatre, its exterior is anything but theatrical, looking more like a Soviet Union Ministry of Entertainment than a playhouse in an idyllic part of North Wales.
No-one expects a police station to be pretty but Wrexham’s looks like a scruffy sky scraper.
Earmarked for demolition, a new front counter service will be built at the site of the Wrexham’s Library Arts Centre’s old Oriel Gallery.
It will replace the old police tower at Bodhfryd which is due to be knocked down next year because it is too expensive to maintain and “no longer fit for purpose.”
Much controversy still surrounds the future of Colwyn Bay Pier but no one can argue that it looks a sight.
Opening on June 1, 1900, the Grade II star listed pier was once a huge attraction and a venue for rock and pop concerts.
Acts included The Colwyn Follies in the pavilion in the Thirties to Slade, Elvis Costello, Siouxie & the Banshees, The Specials and Motorhead in the Seventies.
But under a succession of owners it fell into disrepair and was closed.
Last year, Conwy Council applied to the Welsh Government to demolish it but the request was turned down.
The authority is allocating £83,000 a year for security and maintenance.
According to its website, some legends say it was built by robbers and thieves, taking advantage of travellers on the old A5 as they journeyed through Snowdonia – ugly people that gave the house a fearsome reputation.
Others say the name is a corruption of the name of the river burbling away on the other side of the road, the Llugwy which flows from near Ogwen to join the river Conwy.
Or maybe it’s the big, crude boulders that give the house its name – the word ‘hyll’ in Welsh can mean rough or crude, as well as ugly.
The Ugly House is known as Tŷ Hyll in Welsh. Is this one of those ironic nicknames though?
