£53m of European funding has been secured to support projects in Conwy since the year 2000. Some of these examples include:
The £6.5m Parc Eirias Events Centre situated in Colwyn Bay, is a state of the art community, cultural and sporting events venue. Since opening at the end of 2011, the Centre has hosted the Olympic and Paralympic flame, open air concerts by Pixie Lott, Olly Murs, Jessie J, Sir Tom Jones and Sir Elton John, as well as Six Nations under 20s and Senior International Rugby matches.
Total Project Costs: £6.5m
European Regional Development Fund grant from the Convergence Programme 2007 – 2013: £1.5m
Coastal Town Regeneration
This project comprised of two elements – Colwyn Bay Town Centre regeneration and the first phase of the Colwyn Bay Waterfront environment improvements which included the creation of a permanent beach and an element of the coastal defence works, supported by Welsh Government. Porth Eirias also offers visitors windsurfing, sailing, paddleboard and powerboat courses at Colwyn Bay Watersports; new changing facilities, and a modern meeting and event space. Summer 2015 also saw the centre become home to a beach-front Bistro designed and developed by one of the top chefs in Wales, Bryn Williams.
Total Project Costs: £11.3m
European Regional Development Fund grant from the Convergence Programme 2007 – 2013: £5.9m
Llandudno Station Improvements
Llandudno Railway Station has been given a £5.2m makeover, thanks to funding from Welsh Government’s National Station Improvement Programme, through the European Regional Development Fund. The 135-year-old station now has improved passenger facilities and provides an attractive welcome to the town.
Total Project Costs: £5.2m
European Regional Development Fund grant from the Convergence Programme 2007 – 2013: £2m
Opened in 1902 and is now the only cable-hauled tramway still operating in the UK. Thanks to funding from the European Regional Development Fund, the Tram and tracks were refurbished, disabled facilities were improved and a new halfway station was constructed. It is estimated that the Tram attracts around 150,000 visitors every year, and is a key part of sustaining tourism in Llandudno.
Total Project Costs: £4.1m
European Regional Development Fund grant from the Objective 1 Programme 2000-2006: £0.9m
New Work Connections Project
This project supported 864 vulnerable and disadvantaged people to enter training, education and/or employment by providing information, advice and guidance around a wide range of issues. The individuals supported increased their skills, were able to move closer to employment and reach their potential through a wide range of activities that remove barriers to engagement.
Total Project Costs: £4.4m
European Social Fund grant from the Convergence Programme 2007 – 2013: £2.2m
Llwyddo’n Lleol Programme
This was an innovative scheme for young people aged 11 to 19 years living in North West Wales to develop their career paths and succeed within their communities by developing their enterprise and entrepreneurial skills. The project aimed to strengthen the message that local communities can offer a future to young people in terms of employment and self-employment, with a focus on growth sectors. In Conwy, 1,095 participants took part in sector specific events and 434 young people gained qualifications.
Total Project Costs: £1.7m
European Social Fund grant from the Convergence Programme 2007 – 2013: £0.3m
Conwy Estuary Strategic Route
Walkers and cyclists are benefitting from the creation of a recreational route around the beautiful Conwy estuary Natura 2000 site. The route runs from West Shore in Llandudno to Conwy Quay and, provides a coastal path to enhance the quality of walking and cycling around the estuary, whilst preserving the outstanding natural beauty and historic environment. The scheme involved environmental management, including animal and bird habitats in the dune areas. The route will not only improve facilities for visitors to the area, but will also provide a safe, sustainable transport route for local people.
Total Project Costs: £7.2m
European Regional Development Fund grant from the Objective 1 Programme 2000-2006: £2.7m