Killer's building to become flats (From Barry And District News)

Killer's building to become flats

A BUILDING which was once owned by murderer Robert Mochrie is set to become flats for retired people.

The Barry Hotel on Broad Street, which is a run down listed building in the town last used as a nightspot.

Former owner Robert Mochrie killed his wife and four children at their home in the town five years ago.

He owned the hotel which was then a nightclub called the Power Station but sold it to buy another hotel in Haverfordwest. This hotel building burnt down, plunging him into debt. Six months later he committed the murders.

In 2003, Graham Jones Property Holdings drew up plans to turn the former hotel into a business centre but it withdrew when council negotiations collapsed.

The company then submitted plans to convert it into 28 self-contained retirement apartments. Councillors were against the idea.

A public inquiry was held and a National Assembly inspector approved the plan, despite concerns about a lack of car parking. Inspector Christopher Cochcrane said the building was in a poor condition and it would get worse.

Bar Eze, the only business using the hotel at the moment, would close as part of the development.