A landmark piece of Llandudno Promenade history is set to shine again as the restored Llandudno Colonnade officially reopens following a major programme of restoration.
Conwy County Borough Council has announced that the much-loved seafront structure will be celebrated with a public event on Friday, March 20, marking the completion of works designed to preserve and enhance one of the resort’s most recognisable architectural features.
The restoration has been made possible through joint funding from the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund and the Welsh Government Brilliant Basics Fund, both of which support improvements to tourism infrastructure and historic attractions across Wales.
A colonnade, from the architectural term “colonnade”, is a long row of regularly spaced columns supporting a roof or structure. Traditionally used in classical and seaside architecture, colonnades provide a sheltered walkway while also creating an elegant visual feature. In Victorian and early 20th century seaside resorts such as Llandudno, they were designed to allow visitors to stroll along the promenade protected from wind or rain while enjoying the sea views.
The Llandudno Colonnade has been part of the town’s famous seafront since the 1930s, when the resort was firmly established as one of Britain’s premier holiday destinations. With its sweeping curve and distinctive columns, the structure quickly became a defining feature of the promenade, offering both a scenic viewpoint and shelter for generations of residents and holidaymakers.
Over the decades the colonnade has become a familiar backdrop to daily walks, seaside events and photographs of the bay, forming part of the wider historic character of Llandudno’s Victorian and Edwardian promenade. The town itself developed rapidly as a resort during the 19th century, helped by the arrival of the railway and the influence of landowners such as Mostyn Estates, who played a key role in shaping the town’s planned layout.
The latest restoration project has focused on safeguarding the colonnade’s structure, improving safety and accessibility, and ensuring it can continue to be enjoyed for many years to come. The council worked closely with Mostyn Estates during the project to ensure the historic character of the landmark was carefully protected.
Councillor Sharon Doleman, the council’s Cabinet Member for Sustainable Economy and Communications, said the reopening marks an important moment for the town.
“The Colonnade is an important part of Llandudno’s heritage and identity, and I’m delighted to see it restored to its former elegance,” she said.
“These improvements ensure that this treasured landmark can be enjoyed for many years to come, and I’m thrilled that we’re able to celebrate its reopening with the local community. My thanks go to everyone involved in the project.”
The reopening will be marked with a community celebration on the promenade between 4pm and 6pm, featuring a ribbon-cutting ceremony and live entertainment from local performers including artist Dave Sharp, the Linzi Grace School of Dance and the Llandudno Swing Band.
In a nod to the structure’s 1930s heritage, organisers are encouraging visitors to embrace the spirit of the era with optional 1930s-style smart dress.
Welsh Secretary Jo Stevens said the project shows how investment is helping to support communities and tourism destinations across Wales.
“We are directly backing our communities with investment to make them even better places to live and work,” she said.
“As well as investing in the restoration of the Colonnade, the UK Government has committed £20 million to Llandudno as part of the new Pride in Place programme to drive regeneration and create jobs and growth in the area.”
The event will be free to attend and open to residents, visitors and local businesses, offering the community the chance to celebrate the renewed future of one of Llandudno’s most familiar seaside landmarks. A temporary road closure will be in place on Alex Munro Way between 11am and 7pm to allow the event to take place safely.