15.02.13
£5.1m Llandudno station upgrade begins
Work has begun at Llandudno station to improve passenger facilities, Network Rail has announced. Construction has started on the new car park, as part of a £5.1m station upgrade.
The project is supported by the European Regional Development Fund through the Welsh Government and is part of Network Rail’s National Station Improvement Programme (NSIP).
The improvements will include a new ticket office and retail outlet, improved bus interchange facility, removal and upgrade of passenger toilets, upgraded concourse and customer information systems, refurbished doors, entrances and lighting and new seating.
Completion of the project is scheduled for early 2014.
A Network Rail spokesperson said: “This scheme joins a number of other rail improvement projects in North Wales that will help deliver better journeys and boost economic growth in the area. The work at Llandudno will provide a welcoming gateway to the resort and we would like to thank people for their patience while we improve their station.”
Transport minister Carl Sargeant said: “The upgrade of Llandudno Station is the first in a new package of station improvements that the Welsh Government is supporting as we strive to make rail travel more comfortable and attractive to the public.
“In addition to providing a positive first impression for visitors to Llandudno this project will also provide a boost to the local economy as local employment will be used in the refurbishment of the station.”
Conwy County Borough Council cabinet member, Cllr Philip Evans, said: “I’m very pleased to see work start on site and these long-standing plans becoming a reality. Once these improvements are complete, the railway station will be a great asset to Llandudno - creating an excellent first impression of the town for visitors.”
Andy Savage, executive director, Railway Heritage Trust, said: “The Trust is delighted that the restoration of the station is finally underway. It looks forward to the completion of this excellent combination of old and new, which will finally giving Llandudno the station it deserves.”
An Arriva Trains Wales spokesperson said: “We look forward to the improvement to Llandudno station and will work closely with our partners to ensure the new station is a success for our customers.”
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