Latest news with #OldCollege
Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Daily Mirror
'Rundown' UK seaside resort unveils £10.8m to bring it back to life
A popular seaside town stung by negative reviews of being 'tatty and rundown' has almost finished its huge £10.8million refurb plan to bring the resort back to life A snubbed seaside resort described by visitors as 'tatty and rundown' has unveiled ambitious plans to come roaring back to life. Situated in the centre of the dramatic Ceredigion coastline in Wales, Aberystwyth (also known as Aber) has been a popular holiday destination for decades. Famed for its crescent-shaped beach, historic pier, and pastel-coloured homes, the town - in theory - ticks all the must-haves for any successful coastal resort. In the summer, the promenade sees music, choirs, and other performances liven up the street, while Constitution Hill, snuggled at the quieter northern end of the Promenade, features a cliff railway with the largest camera obscura in the world. "On clear days, the beach offers wonderful views of North Wales, including the peaks of the Llyn Peninsular and Snowdonia," Visit Wales states. However, just like many seaside towns up and down the nation - Aber has struggled keeping its pristine reputation. Just three weeks ago, one traveller left a scathing review of the town's seafront on Trip Advisor - stating he was 'really disappointed and pretty disgusted too'. "Very difficult to find parking and the seafront and town streets were filthy," the user wrote. "I have honestly never seen so much dog poo on the pavements anywhere in the whole of Britain." Older reviews from 2023 describe the town as 'drab, grey, and run down' while other say it's not somewhere you should go 'out of your way' to visit. But, last year, Aberystwyth started revamping the promenade as part of a £10.8 million investment funded by the UK Government. Work started on October 9, 2024, and has already seen new lighting foundations along the promenade as well as the installation of a slate poem celebrating the town's 'deep connection with the sea, history, and community spirit'. Other works include kerb-line replacements, creating more parking spaces, and widening the promenade between the Hut and Castle Point. "The road and widened footways along the promenade opened to the public on December 20, 2024, meeting the goal of completion before Christmas," the council stated. "Remaining tasks, including cobble-effect surfacing for table tops, bollard reinstatement, and street furniture installation, will be addressed later." £43 million is also being pumped into restoring Old College, a Victorian university building which was gutted by a fire which killed three people. Upon completion, it is expected to attract 200,000 visitors a year and become a centre for 'learning, heritage, culture and enterprise' as well as homing a four-star hotel. Councillor Bryan Davies, Leader of Ceredigion County Council said the revitalisation of the promenade and the development of the Old College are 'pivotal projects' for the town's future. "Thanks to UK Government funding, we are seeing the physical and economic transformation of our town, enhancing opportunities for residents and visitors alike," he added. Dame Nia Griffith MP also welcomed the investment plans, arguing the UK government is 'committed to investing' in Wales. "Projects like the Old College and the improvements to Aberystwyth Promenade are crucial for driving local economic prosperity and creating spaces that benefit the whole community," she added. Visiting Aberystwyth - everything you need to know Located some 238 miles from London, getting to Aber from the Big Smoke takes around five and a half hours in the car. However, you can slash 45 minutes off the journey by taking the train - which will usually include a stopover in Birmingham. If you're flexible with dates, you can grab single adult fares for as little as £31.50. For example, a weekend's stay (Friday, June 20-22) at the Starling Cloud Hotel will set you back £239. This is based on two adults sharing a Standard Double Room. If you're looking for a more luxurious stay - check out the five-star Awel Mor Holiday Apartments. Here, a three-bed apartment with a sea view will cost £690 on the exact same dates. *Prices based on Trainline and listings at the time of writing.
Telegraph
21-05-2025
- Telegraph
How Aberystwyth plans to revive the glory days of the British seaside
It was a hub of lead mining and shipbuilding. It boomed again thanks to genteel Victorians taking the seaside air, turning it into the ' Biarritz of Wales'. And, more recently, it provided the backdrop to a genre-defying Welsh noir. The idiosyncratic seaside resort of Aberystwyth, 'Aber' to the locals, pivots around its Norman castle and twin beaches – and maintains an isolated air thanks to its westerly position on Cardigan Bay. Proudly Welsh-speaking, it's now home to the National Library of Wales, the nation's largest arts centre, and bolstered by a lively student population during university term times. But there's also an air of faded grandeur, with some of the pastel-coloured Victorian and Edwardian resort hotels in desperate need of some love. The arrival of the railway in the 1860s transformed the town's fortunes, establishing a thriving coastal resort; the opening of the Royal Pier, the first in Wales, soon followed. The current version is somewhat shorter than its 1865 original after a series of heavy storms, but it retains a kiss-me-quick array of arcade games, attractions and bars. There are green shoots of regeneration, too. The first phase of the wave-crashed promenade's £10.8 million facelift is almost complete, although the introduction of promenade parking charges is a bugbear to locals. The renaissance of the Old College, the grand old Victorian building that first served as the first home of the University of Wales, should be completed by 2027, with a new cultural centre and a four-star hotel. Britain's only statue of Edward VIII, who abdicated, will be restored to its starring role upon reopening. The wider Ceredigion coastline, too, has plenty to offer, forming part of the 870-mile Wales Coast Path. Expect spectacular hiking, tales of smugglers and shipwrecks, and possible glimpses of bottlenose dolphins south towards Cardigan at Mwnt beach. What's it really like? Aber wears its quirks with pride, a tradition celebrated by the author Malcolm Pryce in his detective novel Aberystwyth Mon Amour. There's offbeat charm to the back streets, plus old-school seaside fun, but also stylish cafés and boutiques. It's these contrasts that struck me most of all. For every top-notch café such as the Cabin, or Driftwood Designs, with its cool Cymru souvenirs, there's a Lip-Licking Fried Chicken. And for every dive-bombing seagull after your chips, there are people sitting on the beach, fed by street-food carts, soaking up another glorious Aber sunset. Independent outlets worth checking out include Ystwyth Books, a second-hand seller, or the Bottle & Barrel for a range of Welsh craft ales. And for fans of the television series Hinterland, the original Welsh noir, it's location-spotting heaven. The programme recast the region as the murder capital of Mid Wales and made much of its folkloric back story with ominous inland visits to Devil's Bridge, located at the end of the heritage Vale of Rheidol Railway, and the spookily submerged forest at Borth to the north. What's not to like? Sunbathing is a gritty experience. The beach is more shingle than sand thanks to offshore currents – the sand ends up at Harlech. A promenade stroll is great for sea air, albeit tempered with regular wafts of rotting seaweed. It was captured in 1404 by Welsh folk hero Owain Glyndwr, but destroyed on the instruction of Oliver Cromwell so that it could not be used against him during the Civil War in the 1640s. Do this… Visitors have been strolling along the 1½-mile promenade since the time of Queen Victoria, with the tradition of kicking the iron bar at the end of Marine Terrace for good luck. Constitution Hill, at the top of visitor hub North Beach, offers widescreen bay views and glimpses of the mountains of Snowdonia on a clear day. Take the Aberystwyth Electric Light Railway, the longest electric cliff railway in Britain, to the top and visit the Camera Obscura. For a culture fix, the National Library of Wales maintains the tradition of more books than people in Aber, including the oldest existing Welsh text, the 12th-century Black Book of Carmarthen. It hosts regular events and exhibitions. Eat this… Most people make a beeline for Ultracomida, the excellent deli-café on Pier Street, with its Aladdin's cave of Iberian, French and Welsh foodie treats. But hidden-gem alternatives include the Italian coffee house Agnelli's, a bustling, family-run place for Italian coffees, pastries (try a Sicilian lemon cannoli) and a small lunch menu. Medina is a great place for all-day dining, the north African-motif venue having transformed an old spit-and-sawdust pub. It turns into a popular restaurant by night and the owners also run an open-air kiosk for snacks on the promenade. But don't do this… The Ceredigion Museum, sharing a building with the tourist information centre and the Coliseum Coffee House downstairs, documents Aberystwyth's history against an elegant backdrop of a restored Edwardian theatre. But the museum closes this May for maintenance work, with the Grade II-listed building expected to reopen in 2026/27. It plans to host pop-up displays in the interim. From a local Sean Westlake is the chairman of the Wales Official Tourist Guides Association and based in Aberystwyth. He says: 'Aber has everything you need, from cultural events via shopping to coastal walks. Yet, within 15 minutes, you're lost among waterfalls and mountains, watching the red kites circling overhead. Most of all, Aber has the best sunsets in Wales.' From a tourist Carys Mitchell, 11, and Olivia Mitchell, eight, visiting from Hamilton, New Zealand, are having a day out with auntie Ffion and nanny Vera (Mitchell). They say: 'We're having a day at the seaside, loving the ice creams and arcade games on the pier. We like the different-coloured houses. It looks very different to the North Island back home.' Chris and Jayne Maxwell are visiting from Telford, Shropshire: 'Aberystwyth is our go-to seaside day trip from Shropshire. I've been coming for years on my motorbike, but it looks on the up these days with new investment. Aber took a battering in the 2015 storm but it's cleaner and smarter these days. It's perfect for a sunny day.' Get there Aberystwyth is the terminus for Transport for Wales services with connection to Shrewsbury in two hours and Birmingham New Street in three. By car, take the A44 via Welshpool, and follow the A487 into the town centre. Stay here Gwesty'r Marine Hotel & Spa (doubles from £135 B&B) is a classic seaside hotel a short walk from the train station. Book a sea-view room and the sounds of the waves will lull you to sleep.
Business Mayor
11-05-2025
- Business
- Business Mayor
Victorian seaside town with historic cliff railway & oldest pier in Wales gets set for £60million makeover
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. 5 Aberystwyth is set to undergo a significant revamp, including work to its historic promenade Credit: Getty 5 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. 5 The town's funicular railway offers stunning views of the Welsh coast Credit: Getty 5 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.
Scottish Sun
11-05-2025
- Business
- Scottish Sun
Victorian seaside town with historic cliff railway & oldest pier in Wales gets set for £60million makeover
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) 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. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 5 Aberystwyth is set to undergo a significant revamp, including work to its historic promenade Credit: Getty 5 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. 5 The town's funicular railway offers stunning views of the Welsh coast Credit: Getty 5 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.
The Sun
11-05-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Victorian seaside town with historic cliff railway & oldest pier in Wales gets set for £60million makeover
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. 5 5 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. 5 5 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.
