THE pedestrian underpass leading from Colwyn Bay town centre to the waterfront has received a makeover with history inspired murals.

Graffiti artist Andy ‘Dimeone’ Birch has been commissioned as part of the National Lottery Heritage Fund project Imagine Colwyn Bay to celebrate and raise awareness of the town's history.

The double wall mural features Colwyn Bay beach, the old Victoria Pier, the former Odean cinema, a T-rex dinosaur in reference to the former Dinosaur World and a carousel horse.

Artist Wendy Couling led some community art workshops with the support of Tape Community Music and Film to develop the ideas and themes for the artwork.

The mural celebrates the history of Colwyn Bay, including old attractions and seaside scenes.

The mural celebrates the history of Colwyn Bay, including old attractions and seaside scenes.

The project sought permission from Network Rail before the artwork was carried out.

“There have been some really great responses already,” said Mr Birch.

“People have been stopping to chat and share their memories of Dinosaur World and the Astra cinema.”

The mural forms a part of the Imagine Colwyn Bay project, which has just launched a free app that brings the history of the area to life with augmented reality (AR) technology.

Helen Jackson, Conwy County Borough Council’s programme coordinator, who is leading the project, said: “It was always an aim of the Imagine project to brighten up the appearance of the underpass; it’s a key link between the town centre and the waterfront so we’re delighted that Network Rail gave the go ahead for the work.

“It’s not all about looking back: it’s such an exciting time for culture across the county with Conwy’s City of Culture 2025 bid.

“Although the Imagine Colwyn Bay project is nearing an end there is more to come. Look out for sculpture installations that will be appearing.”