Victorian seaside town with historic cliff railway & oldest pier in Wales gets set for £60million makeover

Scottish Sun

11-05-2025

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A VICTORIAN seaside town is set to undergo a significant makeover that could further boost its tourism.
The Welsh town, which features a cliff railway and the country's oldest pier, will see its historic promenade upgraded as part of the work.
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Aberystwyth is set to undergo a significant revamp, including work to its historic promenade
Credit: Getty
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Work is currently being carried out on the seaside town's promenade, which dates back to the Victorian era
Credit: Getty
With a population of around 15,000, this seaside resort is thought to date back as far as the Mesolithic Age.
In 1865, Aberystwyth opened the Royal Pier, the first of its kind in Wales.
Though much shorter after decades of storms, the original structure still stands and is home to an ice-cream shop, a pub, a snooker hall, a restaurant, an amusement arcade centre, and also a nightclub.
The town's historic promenade has also faced wear and tear over the years due to its close proximity to the Irish Sea.
And now the Prom is set to undergo a development to turn it into a "more vibrant, accessible, and attractive space for residents and visitors alike", according to Ceredigion County Council.
The project involves improvements to the public space, including upgraded street lighting, enhanced footpaths, and new street furniture to "refresh and modernise the promenade".
"These upgrades will create a welcoming and safe environment, making the promenade an inviting space to enjoy year-round," the council said.
These improvements, together with a redevelopment of the town's historic Old College, are funded by a £10.8 million influx from the UK Government.
They are hoped to "breathe new life into an area rich in cultural heritage".
The Promenade project is set to stimulate new investment, "creating opportunities and boosting confidence in the town", building on Aberystwyth's "rightful place as an attractor destination".
Inside little-known seaside spot right next to the country's most iconic sites
Councillor Alun Williams, Deputy Leader of Ceredigion County Council spoke about the ongoing work.
"This is a transformative programme of works for Aberystwyth," he said.
"Combined, we are seeing over £60 million of investment into the town.
"The new promenade will greatly improve links with other attractions like the Castle Grounds and the revitalised Old College.
"It will offer more space for active travel and healthier lifestyles as well as adding to the all-round beauty of the seafront.
'Downtrodden' English ghost town where locals feel 'left behind' being turned into 'vibrant' shopping hub in £9m revamp
By Nicole Cherruault
A "DOWNTRODDEN" English ghost town is being turned into a "vibrant" shopping hub in a £9million revamp.
The town in northern Manchester set to totally transform as the council launches a multi-million pound "vision for change" after locals complained the town felt "left behind".
More than 600 people were consulted over renovation plans in Eccles, Salford and work has now started on demolishing the town's shopping centre, which was suffering from falling visitors numbers.
Following the demolition stage, a development partner will be appointed to bring new life to what residents described as a "downtrodden" town, reports Manchester Evening News.
The objective, the council said, is to create a "vibrant" and a "fit for purpose" centre for people to enjoy.
Attracting more independent retailers, and new bars and cafes are among the council's top priorities.
And just three miles from Salford Quays and Manchester city centre, the redevelopment project looks set to transform the area into a buzzing place for young professionals and business owners.
This comes as locals despaired over the ailing town, saying they felt it had been "left behind" and it was in desperate need of some "drastic" improvements.
The council stressed that the demolition work will be a long process, with the initial phase due only to be completed by the end of the year.
However, Councillor Mike McCusker reassured locals that despite the renovations, the town centre "remains open for business", stressing that the works only affect a few areas.
He said: 'Whilst we work on the town centre of the future, today's town centre remains open for business,' said Coun Mike McCusker, lead member for planning, transport and sustainable development at Salford council.
'I want to stress that this demolition work only affects certain parts of the town centre.
'The shops and businesses on Church Street are still open for business and unaffected by this work.'
Meanwhile, Councillor McCusker, who represents the Eccles ward, shared his enthusiasm for the project, in particular for its focus on the local community.
In a statement, he spoke of his "excitement" for the times ahead in materialising their vision for a brighter, more dynamic Eccles.
He said 'Through our purchase of the shopping centre, we were able to put the future of the town centre in the hands of the council and the community.
'It has enabled us to begin this important and long-overdue programme of work, to deliver the vision we have developed with the community.
'The demolition work will take some time, but there are exciting times ahead for Eccles as we work to bring this vision to life.'
"The consequent increased footfall will then naturally lead to business growth.
"It's good to see some of the improvements already in place, like the new lighting around the war memorial at Castle Point.'
The overall project is anticipated to conclude this summer.
According to Visit Wales, a visit to Aberystwyth is "quite impossible without a walk, jog, or mindfulness moment on the mile long Victorian promenade".
The walkway leads to the town's "best vantage point" at the end of north beach's promenade, atop the 430 feet that is Constitution Hill.
And if that incline sounds too much, especially on a hot summer's day which have been known to peak as high as the high 20s in Aberystwyth, don't worry.
The town's famous funicular Cliff Railway operates from April to October, leading to the world's largest Camera Obscura, which includes a cafe and gift shop.
It was first opened in 1896 as a means of transporting people between the arcades and restaurant located at the foot of the hill to the park on top.
Adults can still enjoy a return trip for just £7 per person, while children pay £6.
And as well as enjoying this panoramic view, visitors can also take in the town's vibrant history.
You can travel through the centuries from Pen Dinas Hill, an Iron Age hillfort to a 1850s monument, erected as a memorial to the first Duke of Wellington.
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The town's funicular railway offers stunning views of the Welsh coast
Credit: Getty
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The town features a castle and the Old University, which was first constructed as a hotel in 1865
Credit: Getty
The ruins of Aberystwyth Castle, originally an English castle built to keep the Welsh out in the 13th century, are also worth a visit.
This structure dates back to the same era as the nearby Flint, Rhuddlan, and Builth Wells' castles.
Aberystwyth Arts Centre is worth a visit, as is the neighbouring National Library of Wales, home to historic books as well as the smallest book in the world.
And in a town where even the local college dates back to 1865, when it was first erected as a luxury hotel, you won't be short of history to lap up.
But it's not just ancient attractions in this town, you can also enjoy the town's beaches, with the South Beach offering a long golden strand compared to the North's shingle.
However, don't rule out the latter for a fun family day out as donkey rides are available during the warmer months.
And there's no shortage of accommodation, with seafront options including The Richmond Hotel, and The Glengower, or the Gwesty'r Marine Hotel & Spa, with rates starting from just £60 per night.
There is also a wide variety of gastro pubs and restaurants in the area, including many tapas bars.
Aberystwyth is located in Mid Wales, less than a three hour drive from both Birmingham and Cardiff, and is home to Hollywood star Taron Egerton.
If you're looking for other Welsh towns to visit, another seaside town is also set for a historic upgrade.