Former asylum site purchased amid hospitality plans

A site which was once home to a former asylum and estate has been purchased following a Development Bank of Wales loan. Plans are in the pipeline to redevelop the plot for leisure and hospitality purposes.Denbighshire-based Godfrey Group has started work on redeveloping Pool Park, a former asylum at Efenechtyd near Ruthin, with buildings and grounds dating back to the early 1800s.The site was purchased by the business, supported by a substantial six figure loan from the Development Bank of Wales, from the Wales Flexible Investment Fund.The 30-acre plot was the site of a substantial hall and farm which became dilapidated. However, a manor house dating back to 1824, along with a coaching house, neighbouring boiler block and lodge house. remain on site.In the 1930s, the house was sold and was briefly used as prisoner of war camp during the second world war.Godfrey Group currently operates out of an office on Denbigh Industrial Estate. Now it will move to Pool Park as part of the renovation plans, which will also see them redevelop the wider site for holiday lets over the next five years.Andy Godfrey, managing director of Godfrey Group, said: “We’re really pleased that the Development Bank of Wales has been able to see our vision for this site. The loan provided allowed us to buy Pool Park and then hit the ground running with our plans for redevelopment.”Will Jones, investment executive at the Development Bank of Wales, said: “Andy and the team at Godfrey Group are clearly enthusiastic about what they’ve got planned for Pool Park, and it was a pleasure to support them in bringing their vision for the estate to fruition. The initial move to a new office, once completed, will allow them to expand the existing business, and Pool Park has great potential for leisure and accommodation expansion.”We look forward to watching the work at Pool Park as it develops, and wish Andy and everyone at Godfrey Group the best of luck with their plans for the future.”