Works on going at Conwy Quay

Mar 4 2010 by Eva Ketley, North Wales Weekly News

CONWY Quay is looking a lot tidier these days after a dramatic Spring clean.

Gone are the dilapidated quayside buildings, which were demolished last year.

The castle walls that lay behind the demolished buildings have been restored under the guidance of CADW. No damage was caused to the Grade I listed walls during the operation.

Now that the buildings, which once housed an aquarium and shop, have gone there is a much clearer view of Conwy Castle.

Work is underway on Conwy County Council’s interim scheme for the quay.

There is now a dedicated storage space for the commercial fishermen. An ice machine has been put in place for them, and a small boat house has been constructed.

A community project is also underway to restore a historic Nobby boat. Once restored it will be used to teach nautical skills. Members of the public will be able to view the ongoing work on the quay.

Alan Sharpe, Conwy’s principal property development officer, said: “Because the buildings have been demolished there is now a big enough area for a range of events to take place.

“The Conwy Feast will be able to use it, as will the River Festival and Rock The River.

“But it could also be possibly used to house a high quality food market, or even other events such as a new launch of a car.

“We are very open to suggestions, it could also make a stunning back drop for an opera production or a choir.” An electricity supply and water has also been installed in the area.

Interpretation boards will also be put in place later this year detailing the history of the quay and town.

Alan also revealed there are still hopes that a good quality restaurant will one day open on the quay. There were hopes that a Rick Stein style fish restaurant would open.

He said: “There have been expressions of interest, a couple of developers are interested.

“At the moment we just want the work that has been carried out to bed in.”

mari.jones