A £3million redevelopment of Venue Cymru’s arts and conference spaces has been completed.

Eluned Morgan, minister for international relations and the Welsh Language, toured the newly redeveloped conference facilities on Thursday, February 20 and unveiled a plaque to commemorate the official opening of the revamped facility.

The assembly member was joined by Cllr Sam Rowlands, leader of Conwy Borough County Council, cllr Peter Lewis, chairman of Conwy Council, Sarah Ecob, general manager of Venue Cymru, Adrian LaTrobe, business events manager at Venue Cymru, Tristan Dever, managing director for Adever Constructor [the contractor] as well as other dignitaries, council members and guests.

The project includes the creation of a 180sq conference/studio room, a multi-purpose space with sprung floor that can be used for performances, rehearsal and conferences.

A demountable partition has been installed in the main hall, allowing the 700sq metre space to be split in two.

The ground-floor Orme suite has been remodelled.

North Wales Pioneer:

Minister Eluned Morgan with cllr Peter Lewis, chairman of the council. Picture: Kerry Roberts

The venue also has a new glass frontage to its ground level so delegates can see the promenade when in session.

Ms Morgan said: "We hope will have a huge impact, not on just the facility itself but also on the wider areas.

"We are very confident that this will be transformative in terms of the economy in North Wales."

Funding for the project has come through the Tourism Attractor Destinations Programme, a Visit Wales led programme of key tourism developments across Wales funded through the European Regional Development Fund and supported by additional funding from Welsh Government and Conwy County Borough Council.

Cllr Rowlands said: "We have a £3million investment into Venue Cymru over the last year or so.

"A large chunk of that money has come through from the Welsh Government which we are really grateful for and other money has come through from investment at the council here.

North Wales Pioneer:

A plaque unveiling took place. Pictured: Sarah Ecob, Minister Eluned Morgan, cllr Sam Rowlands and cllr Peter Lewis. Pictures: Kerry Roberts

"The reason for that investment is to make this space as flexible as possible so we can attract more businesses, more conferences and more users into this venue which obviously has a massive impact on our local economy here.

"We know that Venue Cymru provides £34m of economy difference into our economy. It creates jobs, we can directly link to have 600 jobs in this area and we are really keen to make sure we continue to invest in this venue.

North Wales Pioneer:

Minister Eluned Morgan chats to harpist Manon Llwyd during the tour. Picture: Kerry Roberts

"I’m really pleased [about the work that has been done here]. I'm really pleased to work with partners in national government and with local contractors

"I think we have got a really good product here so we can advertise this to international markets now to bring in other conferences, businesses and organisations to make use of the space and to see what amazing part of the world we live in. The views across the bay in Llandudno are absolutely incredible."

"We have public sector organisations, private companies who come here for their conferences, party political conferences take place here.

"We have got a whole wide range of things and at the same time we still run the theatre here.

"We have a fantastic theatre shows, gigs here from bands as well and we are also wanting to see the international market open up.

"We want to see overnight stays increased to help our hotels out and to support the jobs and economy."

[All Pictures Kerry Roberts. Video: Suzanne Kendrick]