June 11, 2026 - 249 views
The team behind a major project to modernise and future-proof Venue Cymru in Llandudno has been appointed.
Conwy County Borough Council has confirmed that AOC Architecture will serve as the lead design partner for the Venue Cymru Futures Project after being selected through what the authority described as a highly competitive procurement process that attracted significant interest from across the architectural sector.
The Venue Cymru Futures Project is a major capital investment programme aimed at securing the long-term future of the popular arts and entertainment venue while enhancing cultural, community and visitor services in the area.
AOC Architecture, an award-winning practice based in East London, has more than two decades of experience delivering public building transformations, cultural institutions and heritage projects. The firm is recognised for its focus on sustainable design, energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions.
Sarah Ecob, Conwy County Borough Council’s Head of Economy and Culture, said the quality of submissions received had been exceptionally high.
“The number of high-quality submissions we had for this tender was incredible. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who put in a bid,” she said.
“AOC Architecture impressed us with their approach and understanding of projects such as ours. We’re delighted to be working with them and excited to see their designs take shape as the project moves forward.”
Tom Coward, director of AOC Architecture, said the company was looking forward to helping shape the future of one of North Wales’ key cultural venues.
“We are thrilled to have been appointed to help transform Venue Cymru in Llandudno,” he said.
“This project offers an exciting opportunity to create culturally significant spaces that will benefit North Wales for generations. We look forward to working closely with the entire team to deliver a venue that the whole community can be proud of.”
The architects are now working on detailed designs for the scheme, which will be subject to planning approval. The design process will involve close collaboration with the Venue Cymru Futures Project team and consultation with stakeholders.
The wider project will see significant investment in Venue Cymru itself while also protecting and upgrading the Llandudno area library, creating a new Culture Hub and providing a sustainable home for the Tourism Information Service.
Project leaders say the proposals are designed to improve public access, increase visibility of services and bring together a range of cultural, community and visitor facilities in a single, well-connected location. New facilities to support the cultural and creative industries are also planned.
The Venue Cymru Futures Project is being supported through funding from the UK Government, Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme, Arts Council of Wales and Ambition North Wales through the North Wales Growth Deal, subject to full business case approval.
AOC Architecture has an extensive portfolio of high-profile cultural projects across the UK. Its completed schemes include the transformation of the Young V&A museum in London, winner of Art Fund Museum of the Year 2024, the redevelopment of the National Science and Media Museum in Bradford, and Somerset House Studios in London. Current projects include work at the National Archives in Kew, a new learning centre at Stonehenge and the restoration of the historic Paignton Picture House cinema in Devon.
The appointment marks another significant milestone for the Venue Cymru Futures Project as plans continue to develop for what is expected to be one of the most important cultural investments in North Wales in recent years.
