Llandudno Railway Station is to have a £5.2m makeover, thanks to funding approval received from Welsh Government’s National Station Improvement Programme, through the European Regional Development Fund.
This work on the station has been long-awaited by the townspeople of Llandudno, and the project is the result of collaboration between Network Rail, Arriva, Conwy County Borough Council, and the Regional Transport Board (TAITH).
Network Rail will now start work on the detailed designs for the finished station, although concept designs have already been seen by members of the public at an event held in Venue Cymru earlier this year.
The improvements to the Station will include new glazing of the concourse area, new ticket windows, the upgrade of the passenger toilets, a new retail facility, refurbishment of platform areas, new lighting, additional seating, upgrade of the customer information system, and a new car park.
Links to other means of transport will also be provided with the creation of a car and taxi drop-off point, a bus lay-by with two bus stops outside the front of the station, additional bicycle storage facilities and an improved walking route to the station car park.
Transport Minister Carl Sargeant (pictured) said, “Building a modern, safe and sustainable transport system is essential for Wales.”
“The Wales Station Improvement Programme will encourage greater use of rail services – helping reduce road congestion and improving access for everyone, including rural communities, people with disabilities and those arriving at stations by foot or on bike.”
“Llandudno station will now benefit from this programme which will improve stations across the Convergence area in Wales. This development will not only bring benefits to Llandudno station and the region but also reflects our commitment to improving sustainable transport in North Wales.”
Cllr Dilwyn Roberts, Leader, Conwy County Borough Council said, “This is wonderful news for Llandudno. Once the improvements at the station are complete, it will be a great asset to the town and will be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. It will create a great first impression for visitors to our town, and I’m delighted that these long-standing plans will now become a reality.”
Mark Langman, route director for Network Rail said, “This proposal is driven by a vision to transform the railway in Wales and will mark a huge improvement for Llandudno. The station is poised to be a strategic transport hub by linking the town to the rest of north Wales and beyond. It has seen a steady increase in passenger demand over the years and the proposed improvements will cater to this growth and encourage sustainable travel, whilst improving the environment and socio-economics of the town.”
Network Rail will now start the detailed design process, and the work on site is anticipated to start in the spring.
