WIREDGOV

The refurbished train station in Llandudno will become an integral part of the town’s tourism and business economy, Finance Minister Jane Hutt said 

The Minister spoke at the official opening of the station which has benefited from a £5.2m refurbishment, with £3.5m from Welsh Government funding including the European Regional Development Fund, £1.5m from the Department of Transport’s National Stations Improvement Programme and a further £150,000 from the Railway Heritage Trust.

The new facilities include a new ticket office, upgrade of the concourse area featuring a  new glass curtain, and a new car parking area for up to 125 cars as well as car and taxi drop-off points.  A bus lay-by with two bus stops has been created at the front of the station with additional bicycle storage facilities.  The front of the station continues to be in keeping with the Victorian architecture of the town.  

Work has also been undertaken to improve accessibility at the station.  The whole station area has been levelled off in line with the regulations of the Equality Act, which has made the station a much smoother, more accessible space. New toilet facilities have also been installed including a specialist accessible toilet, a "Changing Places" facility, complete with showers and hoists.

The Minister said:

"Stations often provide the first impressions to visitors of their destination.  The refurbished station here in Llandudno certainly provides a positive first impression with its new facilities and layout.  

"Tourism is at the heart of Llandudno and the new station is now well placed to play a key part in that industry in the town.

"The excellent facilities on display here show how investment in the right place can make a difference and also highlights the importance of European funding for creating jobs, supporting businesses and growth in the area."

Ben Davies, Stakeholder Liaison Manager for Arriva Trains Wales says:  

"We welcome this investment and the benefits it will bring to the town. We have seen customer numbers increase over the years and developments such as this will ensure our first point of contact with our customer is a pleasing and welcoming environment. It is investment such as this that will take our industry into the next generation of travellers, in particular with integration,  where we have bus, taxi, and a car park facilities."

Rob Grey, Scheme Project Manager, Network Rail Wales said:

"Network Rail is delighted to officially unveil the improvements at Llandudno station today, after a 13- month on-site refurbishment process.  The station has been brought up to a modern standard and is now an impressive, accessible facility that passengers, visitors and local residents can enjoy.

"We are proud to have worked with our partners in ensuring that we retained and restored as much of the old ironwork on the platform and the old original Victorian features of the station as possible. Therefore the station now has modern facilities, but remains true to its original features."