FR & WHR & WHHR News

That’s not what I suggested

 

That's just it, and I made the same point when the new Caernarfon building was built. It's one thing to build new buildings in a traditional style in order to harmonise with existing buildings--like the cafe at Sheffield Park, for example. But the WHR never had any really large or substantial buildings. There is no 'house style' to follow. I refuse to use the word 'pastiche', which has become a pejorative term in architectural circles. But nevertheless, if we build a grand traditional style building at a place like Beddgelert, we risk giving people a misleading impression of the kind of railway the old WHR really was. Much better, in this case, to construct buildings that are obviously modern, so that everybody clearly understands they are post-preservation additions.



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If you say so.
It’s undoubtedly the case that the railway adds to the local economy, but this contribution is maybe not perceived always.

You can perhaps understand though that this development might split opinions on its desirability. My personal view is that the railway is perceived to have only a small positive impact on most people’s daily life. I realise that we enthusiasts tend to regard any railway development as necessary and any objection slightly ridiculous, but as the L and B have discovered, other views are possible. Maintenance of good local relationships is something the railway does try to have, but it is difficult. This is one I am not sure about, and that’s me, a member, worried it may not endear the railway to others.

 

As it is a modern building, on a modern railway, operating modern carriages and (relatively) modern steam locos, I don't see the issue - a 21st century interpretation of traditional railway architecture is entirely consistent with the new WHR. The railway isn't pretending to be a historic recreation and I doubt many visitors think it is.

 

I think the design is far better than the collection of portacabins and sheds that are there at present. As a visitor the other week it was almost embarrassing to use and in stark contrast to facilities on the rest of the line. Beddgelert is a premier destination and should have facilities to match, surely first impressions count? I would have thought there would be far more objections to having run down cabins than a new building.

Far too easy to find reasons not to do things. Some people don't like any change, but then don't like how things are currently either.

 

Worth making the point that Bedgellert has only become important in the 'Post Covid' era

 

When the Welsh Highland reopened services were not allowed to terminate at Beddgelert for fear it would attract more road traffic to the village. Hence the temporary terminus at Hafod Y Llyn.
The importance of Beddgelert has increased since Covid, but so have shorter journeys in general as families seek more cost effective options. That shouldn't detract from the fact the village is a picture postcard destination and that it is well promoted by the railway in its advertising.
Should also add Beddgelert ice cream was being sold by the railway the other week and comes highly recommended..

 

Many in N Wales resent tourists and want to curtail their impact hence the tourism tax, second home premium, holiday home curbs and ever increasing car park charges especially around Conwy, so every development faces some opposition. No one can seriously defend the current state of the station site, on the new build locally sourced materials are to be used, slate and wood, to be transported in by train, as opposed to the original approved design using brick and render. Some passengers with mobility issues cannot access the village due to the steep path and the new facilities will no doubt be welcome to their party. Furthermore this approved building is considerably smaller than that approved 20 years ago for which the existing slab was laid in preparation.

 

When I've been a tourist in N Wales, this atmosphere has come out at times - and frankly is probably as much of a threat to tourist oriented businesses as anything else.