Fresh hopes for Denbigh hospital
Post categories: Denbigh, History & Memories
| 09:22 UK time, Tuesday, 14 September 2010
News that the near derelict North Wales Hospital is being asset stripped by opportunist thieves - Looters stripping the fittings from listed gem of a Victorian hospital, says Western Mail - will come as no surprise to locals.
Closed to the public: The site of North Wales Hospital
But what may come as a surprise is the work going on behind the scenes.
A Denbighshire council statement reads: "Although outward appearances may seem otherwise, there is a huge amount of effort going on at a most senior level to try to resolve the situation."
That will be welcome to people who are interested in the building. You only have to do a quick search of the web to see how the "private" property fascinates people even now, in its current state.
It's certainly atmospheric. So much so that paranormal programme Most Haunted used the location for a week of vigils, causing mixed emotions at the time.
A friends group, North Wales Hospital Historic Society - including former staff - has long been trying to preserve the building and people's memories.
We've had contributors to our history section sharing memories such as:-
- Growing up at Denbigh Hospital
This comes from David whose father worked at the hospital
- The hospital band
Former hospital employee and band member Dafydd Lloyd Jones recounts memories
- Sports teams
David Bryn Jones talks about the hospital's different sports teams
- Photos: Preserving artefacts
Objects include a straitjacket and tokens used as payment for staff labour
Meanwhile, the discussions continue about the building and the site's future with a list of possible uses already discounted, including homes, and a prison. Even demolition has been mentioned.
But Denbighshire council, it seems, is still hopeful.
"We are working with other organisations, including working closely with the Prince's Regeneration Trust, to bring about a satisfactory solution," said a council statement.
People may remember that regeneration trust president, Prince Charles, has long been concerned about Denbigh hospital and visited the site in 2004.
