HOPE has risen from the ashes of a devastated 19th century mansion ruined by arsonists. Firefighters from across the county battled the blaze at Hafodunos Hall in Llangernyw in October, which gutted the gothic structure causing damage estimated at £8 million. Now Cadw, the agency responsible for protecting and conserving the historic environment of Wales, is part-funding a detailed structural report to assess the condition of the hall. If the results of the scheme are viable, then Cadw will help finance the building's repair. The uninsured Hafodunos Hall was built 140 years ago, and before the blaze had been described as one of the finest examples of Gothic architecture in the country. The hall was designed by George Gilbert Scott, the prolific Victorian architect whose many other masterpieces include the Albert Memorial and St Pancras Station. But the unoccupied building has suffered in recent years at the hands of vandals, despite Colwyn Bay based development company SFJ planning to convert the hall into a luxury hotel. The company had planned to build 90 chalets on the grounds, but the idea had been met with opposition from concerned villagers. Now news that the building could be rejuvenated following a report commissioned by heritage charity SAVE, the Victorian Society and Cadw has been welcomed by culture minister and Clwyd West AM Alun Pugh. "The arsonists wreaked huge damage on a building which is of historical and architectural importance," said Mr Pugh. "The Grade I listed structure has been badly damaged and the Assembly is making a contribution to a comprehensive structural survey of what remains." Mr Pugh said it was up to the building's owner, John Rochelle, to put forward new plans for the site's future. But Mr Pugh remained optimistic about the structure's fate: "At this stage major reconstruction is possible." Friends Christopher Szabo, 22, of Eglwysbach, and 20-year-old Adam Kaluzny, of Penrhyn Bay, admitted the charge of arson at Hafodunos Hall at Caernarfon Crown Court last month. | 
