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Group's plan for pier

Published date: 19 October 2011 |
Published by: Iwan Berry


 

A BOLD plan has been put forward for Colwyn Bay's dilapidated pier.

The pier is at the centre of a legal wrangle over its ownership and one town councillor said the plans were nothing more than "wishful thinking".

New attractions would include a glass topped seaview restaurant, green education centre and sweet factory.

The vision for the pier was outlined to Colwyn Bay town councillors on Monday by Jay Martin, chairman of Shore Thing.

Mr Martin unveiled the group's plans, which were drawn up by the social enteprise in conjunction with officials and councillors from Conwy County Borough Council.

Mr Martin, the former head of Crest Co-operative and manager of Scout Enterprises, which runs Conwy Furniture Reclaim, said: "The pavilion is probably key to the future of the pier. It's a unique venue that can accommodate 500 people standing. There would be some kind of restaurant around the otp tier of the pavilion and be all glass."

He revealed that RWE NPower Renewables had been approached to create an educational visitors centre on renewable technology on the pier, which would provide information on the nearby Gwynt y Mor windfarm.

Mr Martin said plans for a confectionery factory were being put forward, to offer a unique brand which would allow the pier to compete with other nearby attractions, including the watersports facility.

Cllr Alice Robinson, who wanted the pier pulled down, said she had now changed her mind.

"I have seen its condition go down, but I think you're quite right, this is going to help."

But Cllr John Davies warned of the burden which could fall on taxpayers in the Bay if the plans did not go ahead and the pier fell into the hands of the local authority.

He said: "I'm sad to say that I don't it's feasible. It's too little, too late.

"There are much greater priorities for the public and the plans for the pier, as nice as they may be, are unfortunately wishful thinking at this time."

The public will have the chance to view plans ofr the pier and have their say on its development at a consultation event held on November 1 to November 3, at the Bay Learning Centre.

  • What are your thoughts on the future of the pier? Do you think it can be saved and maintained, or could council tax payers end up shouldering the burden? Have your say on our comments section below.

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  1. Posted by: RobertS at 19:13 on 25 October 2011 Report

    It's time for the council to be held accountable. The pier is a unique Victorian structure which should be restored. The ost would be far less than that of the "watersports" facility. What percentage of the public are interested in jet skis ("watersports")? A small minority. How many of us would like to see the pier restored? The vast majority. Restoration projects don't offer the opportunities for huge private profits that new building projects (like the "watersports" facility) offer.

 


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