The pier's former landing stage fell into disrepair in 2006, but with a new landing stage constructed, boat cruises will be able to sail from the pier once again to attractions such as Puffin Island. Work is set to start on The Dolphin Landing Stage in July and could be completed as early as October.
Jim Jones, section head for tourism at Conwy County Borough Council said: "A new landing stage was a key priority within our Destination Conwy management plan, as we stood to gain much from opening up Llandudno to the sea. We know there's a lot of interest from cruise businesses wanting to come to Llandudno and visit other attractions throughout Conwy. Of course, this comes as no surprise to us, especially as it comes on the back of Llandudno being voted a UK top ten destination in 2012 by Trip Advisor."
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The Victorian pier at Llandudno, a Grade II listed building, was originally constructed in 1876. An integral part of the resort, it is considered to be the finest surviving example of Victorian Piers in Great Britain, influencing both the tourist and retail economies in North Wales.
Gavin and Stacey actress Alison Steadman spoke of the demise of the landing stage at the pier in a recent BBC episode of Coming Home. Keen to see the Pier return to a busy port for boat trips, as she remembered it from a young age.
In response to the funding announcement, she said: "Great news that Llandudno is to have a new landing stage built on the pier! It will be wonderful to have access to all the local beauty spots and it will mean many more visitors for this great place that is so close to my heart."
A landing stage was constructed at the seaward end of the pier in 1891 to provide berthing facilities for a wide range of pleasure vessels, including those offering services to the Isle of Man and trips to Puffin Island and Anglesey. It was replaced with a concrete berthing platform in 1969, but was defunct by 2006 when the fendering frame fell into disrepair and became unsafe.
The new development would not be possible without the support of funding partners: Gwynt y Môr Tourism Fund, Conwy County Borough Council, Llandudno Town Council, and the Six Piers.
RWE npower renewables' Gwynt y Môr Project Director, Toby Edmonds said: "We are delighted to be able to back tourism which, like the renewables industry, is so important to the economy of North Wales."
(CD/GK)
