PLANS for a £5 million whisky distillery and visitor centre in Llandudno have taken a step forward.

The Welsh Government has offered financial support for the project which would see the former Conwy council’s archive and Old Board school building in Lloyd Street put to the new use.

The archives are being moved to the new cultural centre in Conwy.

The proposed development will be the Aberdare based Penderyn Distillery first expansion, and subject to planning permission, the development opening will open in 2021.

Cllr Goronwy Edwards, Conwy’s cabinet member for economic development said: “We congratulate Penderyn on the funding bid success. We’ve been working with them as part of our economic growth strategy, which aims to bring more all year, all weather attractions to the county.

“We’re very excited by Penderyn’s proposals for Llandudno, with new jobs, a new attraction for visitors and an exciting future ahead for the building.”

The mayor of Llandudno, cllr Angie O’Grady welcomed the proposal, she said: “I think this is fantastic news for the town. It will create jobs and attract more visitors to Llandudno and add to the town’s prestige.”

Stephen Davies, chief executive of Penderyn Distillery, said: “The confirmation of Welsh Government support is a major step towards achieving our plans for a brand new distillery and visitor centre. We believe the distillery will allow us to introduce unique and innovative single malt whiskies, distilled in North Wales , as well as providing an attraction that will complement the tourism scene in North Wales, and contribute towards extending the visitor season further.

“With our funding package now in place, we will be developing our proposals further over the coming months and engaging with stakeholders and the local community as we prepare our planning application.”

The development has been offered £1.4 million from the Welsh Government.