Low Footfall in Llandudno Junction Hampers Property Leasing, Potential Business Owners Seek Free Rent

A commercial estate agent says property in Llandudno Junction is difficult to lease out due to low footfall – with prospective business owners even asking for free rent.
Mr K. Islam from Deganwy has applied to Conwy County Council’s planning department, seeking to convert a shop at 163 Conway Road into a restaurant and takeaway.
Mr Islam hopes to convert the One Six Three shore, a former Post Office and card shop, which has been vacant since it closed.
But according to agent St David’s Commercial, finding a use for the building has been difficult, despite it being on the letting market for £8,500 per year since August 2022.
In a letter supporting the conversion, St David’s Commercial says a barber expressed interest in the property but asked for six months’ free rent.
Another potential bric-a-brac shop owner wanted to open but only offered to pay just £50 per week rent. And another viewer wanted to open a clothes shop but changed his mind at the last minute.
“The situation in Llandudno Junction is owing to a very low footfall. Retail premises are very difficult to let,” the letter explained.
“Clinton James hairdressing salon has been on the market for over five years and continues to be almost impossible to let as a retail shop. The ex-Victoria Wine shop opposite the railway station has been vacant for many years and continues to be vacant. ”
But resident Ah Mui Lau objected to the planning application being given the go-ahead.
“Having an A3 in the nearby location will create a noisier surrounding area and potentially the smell of grease and food constantly, which may affect my well-being,” they said.
If the restaurant and takeaway is given permission, the applicant claims it will create four full-time and three part-time jobs.
The proposed opening times are 11.30 am – 11 pm every day, including bank holidays.
The planning application will likely go before Conwy’s planning committee at a future meeting.

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter