Public urged to have say about plans to move Llandudno library from town centre

Last month Conwy’s cabinet backed proposals for the Venue Cymru Futures Project.

The council now plans to submit a business case to access a £10m pot from the UK Government levelling-up fund.

The funds would pay for Llandudno Library to move from Mostyn Street to the theatre.

The proposals would also see the tourist information centre, currently located in the Victoria Centre, move to the theatre building on the town’s seafront.

Funds would also be invested in improving Venue Cymru’s auditorium as well as the building’s “technical modernisation”.

Whilst supportive of the general investment, Cllr Louise Emery worries about the impact moving the library might have.

“Although I am supportive of the £10m bid for Venue Cymru, I am very concerned that moving the library will be one less reason to visit the town centre,” she said.

“I would hope the bid would include an economic impact assessment on the library moving location, as when I use the library, I use other facilities and shops in town, which I wouldn’t do if I had to go to Venue Cymru.”

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Fellow Llandudno councillor Thomas Montgomery backed the investment but had similar worries.

“I still have serious concerns that moving the library will have a detrimental impact on the high street,” he said.

“We’ve been talking for years about plans to revitalise the high street, and I am concerned that moving the library sends the wrong message. It runs against all that work, and it could have a real impact on the footfall of the town and the high street.

“I think Llandudno town centre has lost some key retail spaces, and I know Mostyn Estates and the council have been working to try and fix that and let out those retail spaces that drew so much footfall to the town centre.”

He added: “I’d encourage as many people to engage with the consultation process as possible.”

In a statement, the council claimed, “The proposal to move Llandudno library to the ground floor at Venue Cymru aims to provide better access for people with disabilities, reduced mobility. or using prams.

“Library users would also have access to a Changing Places facility within the building.”

“The longer opening hours at Venue Cymru would mean access to library collections could increase, by using self-service checking in and out whenever the building is open.

“With free-to-use work desks, a café, and a range of cultural activities available to customers, library users would also have access to dedicated on-site parking, including multiple accessible bays, EV bays, and some free short-stay spaces.

“The move would also bring the library closer to major residential areas of Craig y Don, placing it within easy walking distance of more local families.”

Conwy’s economy and culture Service is now asking people for their opinions on moving Llandudno library into Venue Cymru.

The consultation started yesterday (Thursday) and runs for six weeks until 23 September.

The survey is available on the Conwy website.

Paper copies are available from local libraries and reception at Coed Pella, or call 01492 576139.

North Wales Pioneer | Llandudno