Cool new station in the works for historic railway in Caernarfon
It’s all change in Caernarfon, as construction has started on a futuristic £2.5m station for the Welsh Highland Railway.
The provision of a high quality station that this beautiful historic town deserves has long been desired and replaces the temporary structure on site.
The work will take a year, but the railway is still very much open for business and has moved its Booking Office & Gift Shop to alternative premises – a short distance further along St Helen’s Road.
It is envisaged construction will be completed by summer 2018, and the railway asks drivers to keep an eye open for temporary direction signs to ease access.
Part of £16m project
The station is being built to the latest environmental standards and will have amazing views of the world-heritage castle, particularly from the new mezzanine floor coffee shop.
Other key features include an impressive entrance hall, exhibition space, shop, ticket desk and toilets, including the first ‘changing places’ toilet in North Wales; thus creating a truly fitting gateway to Caernarfon, the trains and heart of Snowdonia.
Other facilities include a coach drop-off bay and plenty of undercover shelter while you wait for the train.
The works programme itself forms part of the Caernarfon Waterfront and Town Centre Regeneration Initiative, which is an ambitious and innovative £16m project ensuring Caernarfon becomes “the lead cultural destination in North Wales”.
This important initiative is led by Gwynedd Council and delivered through a multi-agency partnership that consists of the Welsh Highland Railway, Cadw, Arts Council for Wales, Caernarfon Harbour Trust, Galeri Caernarfon and other bodies.
As well as establishing an impressive artisan quarter on the Island Site opposite the new station, business packages will be offered to attract retailers to the town.
‘Fitting for world-class’
F&WHR General Manager, Paul Lewin, said: “This is a fitting station for the world-class tourist attraction that the Welsh Highland Railway certainly is. Next year marks the 21st year of the railway reopening and this is a tremendous milestone in our history – the station with its cool modern design marks a new beginning for ourselves and the town.
“We appreciate that while some inconvenience may be caused during construction, we hope you agree that this is an exciting project for the railway, town, and the region as a whole. We look forward to welcoming you to the new station very soon.”
- Booking is strongly advised. To book your groups, call 01766 516024, email groups@festrail.co.uk or visit festrail.co.uk
