A derelict old railway shed destined to be consigned to history has opened its doors after a £1.2 million revamp.
Meliden’s goods shed was once a stopping place on the Dyserth to Prestatyn railway line serving both the mining and tourist trades.
The shed, on the Dyserth and Prestatyn walkway, eventually closed in 1957 and reopened briefly over the years, notably as an undertaker and a taxi rank.
But now it has been brought back to life, putting the Grade II building firmly back into the heart of the village community.
Spearheaded by charitable housing association Grŵp Cynefin and Meliden Residents Action group, the building now provides opportunities for up-and-coming businesses, artists and crafters.
Mair Edwards, Grŵp Cynefin’s community initiatives manager, said: “The response to Y Shed has been phenomenal. It is beyond anything we could have hoped for.
"The aim was always to find a way to ensure this old building worked for the community. Having stood empty for so long, transforming the goods shed in a way which brings it up-to-date but also acknowledges Meliden’s rich and varied history is a real achievement.
“The village action group had the vision to make this happen, and we are only too pleased to have been able to support them and turn dreams into reality.”
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Inside the main building, themed to tie in with the local landscape, is Caffi @ Y Shed, run by sisters Jane Roberts and Rachel Roberts, display spaces for crafters, a history exhibition, and an electronic mining game. Four converted shipping containers have also been added to the building to help business start-ups.
They are home to groomers Bowwow’s Dog Company, relaxation specialist Bella Bay Wellbeing, local artist Susie Liddle, and The Craft Hub which sells a range of locally made gifts.
Denbighshire County Councillor Peter Evans, a member of the Meliden Residents’ Action Group, said: “A derelict building has been turned into something which offers business openings, supports the local economy, creates jobs and volunteering opportunities, provides a platform for the creative industries and is an educational resource for local schools.”