To the Prince of Wales it was hideous in it's inappropriate setting and grim utilitarian design. The old Snowdon cafe which graced the summit of Wales's highest peak was of course the focus of the House of Windsor's most outspoken aesthetes' criticism. Now the latest version -which according to critics resembles Wales' highest Tesco- it is not recorded what HRH thinks of it?- is up for an architectural award...No I'm not kidding !
The Hafod Eryri visitors' centre on the highest Welsh peak is among 22 projects being recognised by Downing Street. Other shortlisted buildings include the Victoria & Albert Museum's medieval and renaissance galleries and the Hull Truck Theatre. Architects for the Snowdon project, Ray Hole, said they were "delighted and honoured" to be included.
Gary Reynolds, who was project architect on Hafod Eryri, said inclusion on the shortlist recognised the immense challenge faced in building a visitors' centre 3,560ft (1,085m) on a mountain.
"I think it is an extraordinary building, an extraordinary design and an extraordinary team effort to build something in that location."
Downing Street said Hafod Eryri had been included on the 'better public building award' shortlist because it had been built on such a "highly inhospitable construction site" and continued to celebrate the mountain's history and folklore.
Mr Reynolds added: "I think this is also a tribute to the Snowdonia National Park Authority, to build something so contemporary and forward looking in such a sensitive location."
Culture Secretary Jeremy Hunt said: "'I congratulate all those involved in these outstanding projects.
"They are helping us to enhance the cultural life of the nation and provide better education and healthcare, as well as creating a more sustainable environment."
The winner of the Prime Minister's Award will be announced on 13 October at the British construction industry awards annual dinner.
The Snowdonia National Park Authority meanwhile denied rumours that they were supporting an application by Lidl to build a supermarket on the summit of Carnedd Llewelyn.
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→Snowdon's latest 'hideous' caff up for award!
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