WIREDGOV

Economy Secretary, Ken Skates, yesterday visited Caernarfon to announce that the Caernarfon Town and Waterfront Regeneration initiative has taken another step forward after receiving the green light for £2.5 million EU funds which will unlock a £14 million investment programme.

The developments at Caernarfon are part of the Welsh Government’s wider EU funded Tourism Attractor Destination programme, led by Visit Wales, which aims to create 11 must see destinations across Wales. The project is designed to further enhance the town’s status as an iconic destination which will celebrate the area’s exceptional cultural and historical strengths.

The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway terminus in the town will be transformed as part of the project.  With over 100,000 visitors per annum it’s a key gateway to Caernarfon, and the project will ensure a much improved visitor experience and provide opportunities to link the station with the heart of the town.

A second part of the project will enhance the offer at Galeri and broaden the range of facilities - including wet weather options - which Caernarfon has to offer the increasing numbers of visitors to the town. The proposed work involves extending Galeri to include cinema facilities, offices and creative work space.

Work will also be undertaken to ensure linkages between three key sites within the town are improved so that visitors can flow to and from the Castle, Railway Terminus and Island Site with greater ease.

This funding approval will unlock a £14 million tourism regeneration programme of investment which includes private sector funding as well as public sector funding from the Welsh Government and Arts Council Wales.

The wider project also includes work to redevelop the ‘Island site’ adjacent to the Castle into a mixed use development incorporating business premises, visitor attractions and creative workshops and spaces, the project will be led by Gwynedd County Council.

A further programme led by Cadw will also be submitted for approval as part of the ERDF Tourism Attractor Destination Programme which will aim to restore and convert key historic assets at the entrance of Caernarfon Castle, The Kings Gate, including significant enhancement to facilities for visitors to re-enforce and build on its status as a World renowned attraction. 

Economy Secretary, Ken Skates, said: 

“I’m delighted to announce that this funding has been made available to enable Caernarfon to become the iconic destination it deserves to be while drawing on its rich heritage and cultural assets. Our aim through the Tourism Attractor Destination programme is to focus efforts and investment on key projects in each region so we have a real impact on Wales’ profile in this globally competitive market.”