A rundown former railway building on the walkway at Meliden, Prestatyn, is undergoing a £1.2 million revamp, transforming the empty building into a hub with a shop, café, heritage, bike hire facility, and business units.

The Grade II listed building – to be known as Y Shed – will be extended with four shipping containers transformed into serviced and affordable business units.

The project is being spearheaded by charitable housing association Grŵp Cynefin and Meliden Residents Action Group and tenants are now being invited to register their interest in the spaces which will become available for hire when Y Shed, the first railway heritage attraction of its kind in Prestatyn, opens.

Mair Edwards, Community Initiatives Manager at Grŵp Cynefin, said:

“Y Shed is in a fabulous location with views out over the Irish Sea and set against a backdrop of attractive countryside.

“Our units are a perfect stepping stone for people who may be running a business from home and looking for more space or wanting to take the next step and expand.

“Affordable and fully-serviced, they are ideal for smaller businesses. Given the location, they may also be particularly appealing to people working in creative industries who need additional space or are looking to work in an inspiring setting.”

Up to 50,000 people a year use the old railway line which, said Mair, would enable small and start-up businesses to reach new audiences.

“Every one of those people using the railway line is a potential customer not just for Y Shed, but the people who take on the business units. This development provides an opportunity for people to showcase their work, talent and services in an inspiring and unique location,” she added.

Interest is also being sought from caterers or existing food and beverage companies which may be interested in running Y Shed’s 80-seater café.

“Y Shed’s focus is on healthy living – it will be a great stopping off point for people walking, cycling, or running the Prestatyn-Dyserth way. We’re keen to hear from people or companies, particularly those with an interest in using local produce and creating wholesome dishes, who might be interested in running the café on our behalf,” added Mair.

Anyone wanting to register an interest in the units or the café and require further details

should get in contact with Grŵp Cynefin via [email protected] or by calling the Community Initiatives Team on 0300 111 2122.