A DERELICT old railway shed, transformed after a £1.2 million refurbishment, has been officially opened by a councillor who played in it as a boy.

Spearheaded by charitable housing association Grŵp Cynefin and Meliden Residents Action group, a former goods shed on the Prestatyn to Dyserth walkway has been redeveloped as a community hub.

In its heyday, Meliden’s goods shed was a key stopping place on the old railway line which served both the mining and tourist trades. Now, after a four-year project, the Grade II listed building is a space for up-and-coming businesses and artists and crafters. It also has an onsite café, heritage and meeting room.

Meliden Residents Action Group members and Denbighshire County Councillor Peter Evans officially opened the building and unveiled a plaque to mark the occasion. Cllr Evans was joined by Grŵp Cynefin chief executive Shan Lloyd Williams, community initiatives manager Mair Edwards, and local historian Robert Jones.

Cllr Evans told the group: “All those years ago, when I was playing at the goods shed as a boy, never did I imagine that I would be stood here again one day, officially reopening this building. Meliden Residents Action Group and Grŵp Cynefin have worked hard together to turn dreams into reality. Meliden and the wider area has a facility to be truly proud of.”

Grŵp Cynefin chief executive Shan Lloyd Williams welcomed project partners and funders, including the Big Lottery Fund to the event.
She said: “Grŵp Cynefin’s motto is ‘more than housing’ and Y Shed is testimony to this. A project that delivers on many levels, Y Shed supports the local economy, provides jobs, enables business growth and provides a welcome place for the community to gather. It is incredible to see what can be achieved through partnership working and the future for Y Shed and Meliden is very bright.”

Community initiatives manager Mair said the opening of Y Shed a real cause for celebration.

She added: “The idea behind Y Shed was to transform an old building into a vibrant place that offers many things; volunteering and employment opportunities, the ability to support small businesses, artists, and craft makers, and a place for people to visit, enjoy good food and discover Meliden’s rich history. All of that has been achieved thanks to the support of many individuals and organisations.”

Cap: Mair Edwards, Shan Lloyd Williams, and Cllr Peter Evans open Y Shed.

Prestatyn to Dyserth Way

The Prestatyn to Dyserth Way opened as a three-mile railway from the Chester and Holyhead railway in 1869 and served the mineral trade largely transporting lead and limestone. A passenger service began in 1905 between Dyserth and Prestatyn with 30,000 people using it each year. The shed closed in 1957 and reopened briefly as a business premises before closing again.

The railway itself ran until 1972. Funding for Y Shed was secured from the Big Lottery Fund Wales, Denbighshire County Council, Gwynt y Mor and trust funds.

Press and media enquiries:
Rachael Wheatley, Y Shed coordinator: 01745 855859/07583 059126.
Rachael: wheatley@yshed.org

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