Thanks to funding decisions by the Welsh Assembly Government and other bodies it is likely that a permanent WHR station will be built in Caernarfon over the next 2-3 years. A £600,000 investment grant from the WAG, plus an anticipated £1.1 million from the EU Attractor Fund, will deliver a new terminus for the Welsh Highland Railway that will provide world class facilities for visitors and locals alike. The new station is budgeted at £2.2 million, with the difference between the estimated cost and the grants being raised by match funding.
A £400,000 grant is also being provided for improved access and links between the revamped Waterfront area around the station, and the town centre. Both projects are expected to generate significant economic and social benefits for Caernarfon.
"We're proud to be part of this dynamic waterfront team," said F&WHR General Manager Paul Lewin. "Collaboration between partners including the Welsh Government, Cadw, the Harbour Trust, Galeri and Gwynedd Council has resulted in a package that proves working together will pay substantial dividends. An iconic new station in Caernarfon will give us the confidence to step up our promotional efforts in the major conurbations of North West England with a view to attracting more visitors to this historic town."
"The collaborative approach has also allowed us to work with a number of smaller local partnerships to benefit the wider community in Caernarfon and I cannot overstate the vital support we have received from the Welsh Highland Railway Society, whose unstinting efforts continue to play a major part in this successful project.".