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Oswestry Town Council’s restoration plans for historic Llwyd Mansion have moved a step closer with the appointment of an award-winning architectural design firm and other specialists.

The announcement follows news of the council’s successful £479,972 bid to The National Heritage Lottery Fund in May along with a grant from Historic England’s Heritage at Risk fund to enable work on the development phase of the restoration project to begin.

Llwyd Mansion, the only Grade I listed building in Oswestry, is set to undergo major restoration to secure its future. New life will be breathed into the currently derelict 15th century timber-framed building with plans including community and commercial spaces on the lower floors and holiday let accommodation on upper floors.

Firms chosen to help with the development phase of the project will be led by Buttress Architects full design team, known for work on restoring and conserving historically significant buildings including Caernarfon Castle and York Mansion House.

Stephen Anderson, Director of Buttress Architects said: “Buttress was commissioned back in 2023 to develop an options appraisal and outline business plan for the Grade I Listed Llwyd Mansion, working in partnership with Oswestry Town Council, Shropshire Council and funded by Historic England. The plan aims to enhance community access and provide a unique destination within Oswestry; ultimately removing the building from the at-risk register.

“We also provided a specialist advice service in relation to successfully applying to The National Lottery Heritage Fund for grant support under the Framing the Future project. We’re now pleased to be appointed to continue our work on the scheme which looks to transform and reinvigorate the 15th century merchant’s house, with a sustainable vision to help safeguard Llwyd Mansion for generations to come.”

Other appointments include Marketing Culture to write the business plan, Sarah Lee Consultancy to interpret the building and tell its story, RMB Heritage Consultancy to look at exciting ways to get local people involved, Apollo Fundraising to help us meet our match funding requirements, FRY creative to evaluate the project, and VATCA to provide financial advice as needed.

The Llwyd Mansion: Framing the Future project team is headed by Samantha Jones.

She said: “It is a privilege to work on such an important building, not only nationally but to the people of Oswestry. The team we have put together will ensure everything is in place for the next stage of our application to The National Lottery Heritage Fund later next year. It is an exciting restoration project, and we look forward to hearing from as many people as we can over the coming months to help us shape our bid.”

Mayor of Oswestry Cllr Rosie Radford added: “It is great to see the restoration moving forward with so many specialists on board – we want the best for Llwyd Mansion. Our thanks to The National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery players. Without you, we wouldn’t be able to bring this nationally significant and beautiful building back into use.”