Retailers to return as spirits rise in Welsh seaside resort dubbed 'ghost town'

Retailers are set to return to a coastal resort dubbed a "ghost town" after losing a host of big names. Colwyn Bay has struggled in recent years with the pandemic coming on top of already challenging times for retail in the town centre.

The proximity of Llandudno and the competition from the internet had seen big names leave the high street and main shopping centre. It has lost the likes of Boots, WH Smiths, Peacocks, Poundland and Costa since the start of the Covid pandemic.

This has been despite a multi-million pound investment in the seafront. This has drawn in extra visitors and increased the appeal of the town, however it hasn't prevented the retail exodus.

READ MORE: The North Wales hospital where nurses are insulted, toilets flooded and a fire was started

READ MORE: 'Terrifying' strangler and 'poisonous' tormenter among men jailed for abusing women in North Wales

But there have been some recent green shoots of recovery. Last month Chainstore Outlet which sells discounted clothes from brands like Next, M&S, Fat Face and Jack & Jones - opened in the Bay View Shopping Centre.

This was followed by news Bobcats Coffee is due to open on the ground floor of the former Imperial Hotel building. That Station Road site has been an eyesore for more than a decade but is being redeveloped, with hopes this could spark a revival of that once grand shopping street.

Another of the closures last year was Costcutter and Bargain Booze at the former Woolworths unit on Abergele Road. But posters have now gone up saying that the store will reopen next Monday (November 18). This will help increase footfall in the centre of the town.

It is also understood Briggs Wine Bar on Penrhyn Road will reopen under new operators after closing earlier this year. Wetherspoons has also been given permission to build a new beer garden on another eyesore site near the station, hopefully providing another reason for people to come from the now popular beach.

Conwy council's Coed Pella site is now starting to fill with staff after the pandemic left most workers at home. This will accelerate once the council disposes of the Bodlondeb site in 2025 and more staff transfer over to Colwyn Bay.

These may be small steps in terms of the economic recovery but positive news nevertheless for a town that's become more accustomed to losing retailers and cafes.

There are current Conwy Council proposals to redesign parts of the town centre to increase footfall and encourage inward investment. Under the plans, roads will be narrowed, parking spaces restricted and road space reallocated for walking and cycling.

This has prompted a mixed response locally with some claiming it could do more harm than good.

Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone