Plans for historic site set to be discussed after regeneration

A recently regenerated historic Llandudno Grade-II listed tourist site famous for its spectacular views will be discussed by Conwy County Council’s planning committee this week.

First opened in 1932, The Colonnade has benefitted from extensive repairs, including structural reinforcement, restoration of the iron balustrades, drainage improvements, and installation of new lighting and seating.

The renovation followed the structure significantly deteriorating, leaving it unsafe and at risk without urgent intervention until the council received Welsh Government and UK Government funding in 2025.

Now the attraction could be made more visitor-friendly with a new interpretation panel and heritage information signs – if it gets planning permission.

The council has applied to its own planning department seeking Listed Building Consent, with planning officers recommending that councillors inform heritage guardians Cadw that the authority is minded to grant.

The new plans include an A1-sized portrait interpretation panel at the southern end, along with two smaller History Point panels at the northern and southern ends.

The History Point panels would feature QR codes allowing visitors to access digital information about the history of the structure.

The site is described as “a prominent historic structure within the Llandudno Town Centre and Seafront Conservation Area” within Happy Valley’s Registered Historic Park and Garden, near both Llandudno Pier and The Grand Hotel.

The Colonnade runs along the hill between the junctions of Happy Valley Road and Happy Valley Walk Road on Alex Monro Road, offering visitors an elevated place to sit and enjoy the coastal views.

The site was re-opened with a celebration event this year after extensive regeneration works.

Information in support of the application reads: “Happy Valley quickly became a natural draw for visitors as Llandudno developed into a resort. After Lord Mostyn gave the Valley to the town in 1887 to mark Queen Victoria’s Jubilee, gardens were laid out together with miniature golf courses, lawns, and an open-air theatre.

“The idea for The Colonnade came from George A. Humphreys, an agent for Mostyn Estates. There was no shelter in Happy Valley, so with funding available from the government to alleviate mass unemployment and utilising quarried stone left over from road improvements, this was the perfect opportunity to create a covered walkway from the pier to Happy Valley.”

The plans will be discussed at Conwy County Council’s planning committee meeting at the authority’s Coed Pella HQ on Wednesday 11 November.

By Richard Evans – Local Democracy Reporter (Picture: Google Maps)