THE TICKET has been stamped for plans to a prominent end-of-line railway station.
Plans to revamp Llandudno railway station into a bright, accessible, green and secure transport centre were unveiled for the first time yesterday (Tuesday) at a public exhibition.
If the plan goes ahead, passengers will benefit from a refurbished concourse, which will be modernised with glazed panels to provide a bright, warm and secure waiting area.
In addition, the station will be turned into a transport interchange with a bigger carpark with a further 128 spaces, extra bicycle storage, two bus stops and a new taxi drop-off point.
Llandudno station, which was built in 1858, today receives more than 270,000 passengers on average per annum. Over the years, the station has seen a steady increase in passenger demand, with a growth rate of around 10% on average.
The design of the new station will also enable wheelchair access and will be in keeping with the original architecture with most of the Victorian structures restored and re-used.
Latest energy-efficient technologies, including rainwater harvesting, ground source heat pumps and solar panels, will also be installed to help protect the environment.
The proposal is jointly developed by Network Rail, North Wales Joint Transport Board, Conwy County Borough Council, Arriva Trains Wales and the Welsh Assembly Government.
Mark Langman, route director for Network Rail said: “This proposal is driven by a vision to transform the railway in Wales and, if delivered, will mark a huge improvement for Llandudno. Support from the people of the town is vital to make this possible and we welcome the public in having their say today."
Councillor Dilwyn Roberts, Leader of Conwy County Borough Council, said “The changes planned for Llandudno railway station would help local people who use public transport on a daily basis, as well as visitors to the town, helping to boost the economic development of the area.
"This is an exciting project for Llandudno, which the Council will be very pleased to be a part of.”