Proud Queen on the coast - North Wales: The A55 Expressway
Times, The (London, England) - Monday, January 29, 1990
Author: Derek Bellis
Llandudno is one of the few seaside resorts to retain dignity and not capitulate to bingo. The Queen of the Welsh Resorts is aptly named and proud of living up to its Victorian heritage. The wide streets, tasteful architecture and determination through the years to keep its character have ensured that Llandudno is still special.
Aberconwy councillors, supported by Peter Walker, the Welsh Secretary, have rejected a plan for a Pounds 50 million theme park on the few remaining acres of open space adjoining the northern shore. But Llandudno has its problems, such as the 104-year-old pier pavilion, which is unused and crumbling. Music hall artists who were once household names have performed in the pavilion, Lloyd George, Attlee
and Churchill gave speeches there, and it was where the link between the Gang of Four and the then Liberals was forged. The Pier Orchestra was at one time conducted by a talented young musician named Malcolm Sargent.
The future of the fine old building is in doubt. Local councillors, backed by Gwynedd and Clwyd County Councils, are campaigning for a North Wales arts and leisure complex to be built, at a cost of Pounds 11 million, on the seafront next to the conference centre. The Welsh Office has twice refused cash aid, although the complex would be financed by public and private money. It is particularly galling to opera-lovers, because it would include a theatre with a stage big enough for the Welsh National Opera Company.
``It's extremely disappoint-
ing," John Davies, chief executive of Aberconwy Borough Council, says. The complex could not only bring opera and theatre events to Landudno. It would include a swimming pool and attractions such as a wave machine, providing entertainment for holiday-makers in wet weather.
Llandudno is connected to the A55 by a link road from Llandudno Junction, and Davies says the improved access is increasing tourist interest. But he claims the area is being starved of European cash, which could produce dramatic results and reduce its above-average unemployment.
The ``travel-to-work area" does not qualify for aid from the European Regional Development Fund. Davies complains: ``In five years the counties of Gwynedd, Clwyd and Dyfed have received Pounds 108
million but we are unable to participate or apply for assistance from that fund. This makes it so much more difficult to be as competitive."
But the A55 is bringing benefits, such as a hi-tech industrial site planned for the Morfa, in Conwy, across the estuary from Llandudno , and also the likelihood of a Pounds 10 million marina, although this has split the council.
Llandudno could soon have an attraction on the Great Orme headland that would tell the history of its copper, from 3,000 years ago to the height of the mining. Backers say it is of international interest and would attract hundreds of thousands of visitors.
With its two shores and nestling between the Orme headlands, Llandudno is facing the future with confidence, despite its problems.
Record Number: 1010041168
(c) Times Newspapers Limited 1990, 2003
