15 Jan 2021

Transport for Wales has started work to revamp Llandudno railway station for use by a community enterprise.

Llandudno is one of the first to be renovated as part of TfW’s Station Improvement Project, which identifies unused spaces in stations that can be brought back to use for community and enterprise purposes.

A vacant room at the front of Llandudno Station will be refurbished to create a space for Creating Enterprise – a not-for-profit organisation focussing on helping local people into employment initiatives.

Ken Skates, Minister for Economy, Transport and North Wales, commented: “This is part of our ambitious programme of work to improve our transport network in North Wales. The spaces being created will place the rail network firmly in the heart of our communities and I’m really looking forward to seeing further progress being made.”

Hugh Evans, Head of Community Rail at Transport for Wales, said: “We’re committed to supporting new enterprises that can make a real difference in the communities we serve.

“We are fully aligned with the Well-being of Future Generations (2015) Act and the railway is key for local redevelopment and supporting community projects. By working with tenants and developing empty spaces, we are also making our stations safer and more welcoming places.

“What Creating Enterprise do as an organisation will really help the community.”

Creating Enterprise activities at the station will include a job café and job search support, a Ready for Employment training programme, advice on work placements and volunteering, and skills building sessions.

They will also host the Conwy Valley Community Rail Partnership, extending their reach to Anglesey and accessing more communities in Wales.

Sharon Jones, Director of Partnerships (Social Value) at Creating Enterprise said: “We are thrilled work has begun on transforming Llandudno train station into a community hub accessible to all.

“We are excited to start delivering our services from the hub in partnership with Cartrefi Conwy, including job search support, learning opportunities and advice and guidance around tenancy issues.

“As a social enterprise, we are committed to helping local people progress and thrive, and we are confident that the hub will quickly become a popular and trusted one stop shop for the community’s employment, tenancy and support needs.”