The Cliff Railway in Aberystwyth is on track for a bumper summer season following a £150,000 investment from the Development Bank of Wales.
The loan has allowed the operator of the tourist attraction, Constitutional Hill Ltd, to refurbish its Victoria rail carriages. As a result its anticipating 75,000 visitors this year.
The attraction it the second longest electric funicular cliff railway in Great Britain at 778 feet long. It’s been an Aberystwyth landmark since 1896 and was electrified in 1921 before becoming a grade II listed structure in 1987.
Having safeguarded 20 jobs and created two new jobs, the investment has been welcomed by the First Minister Eluned Morgan. She said: “Tourism is one of the most important industries in Wales, contributing over £6.2bn to Welsh GDP and more than 172,000 jobs.
“I’m pleased the Welsh Government, via the development bank, is providing support so that attractions like the Cliff Railway can bring in visitors, create new jobs and continue their important contribution to the local economy in Aberystwyth.”
The Victorian carriages are powered by motor and high-tensile steel cables supported by a electronic safety system. They travel to the summit of Constitution Hill at four miles per hour, venturing through a deep cutting, where 12,000 tons of rock was excavated to allow the winding footpath to cross via a series of bridges overhead.
Once at the top of the summit, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of Aberystwyth, Cardigan Bay and 26 Welsh mountain peaks. One of the world’s largest camera obscuras offers a bird’s eye view of 1,000 square miles of land and seascape.
Robert Gray, director of Constitution Hill, said: “Our railway is an iconic attraction and an important part of local heritage. It’s enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year, most of whom go on to spend time and money in the local area. The support of Welsh Government and the funding from the development bank has made the biggest difference to the future sustainability of the railway; allowing us to carry out essential maintenance work and invest in our facilities for the benefit of local people and visitors alike.”
Clare Sullivan, regional manager for the development bank, said: “The Cliff Railway is a well-established and popular tourism attraction that has continued to invest heavily with the introduction of indoor and weather resilient facilities to encourage visitors all year round. As an affordable day-out for the family, it’s a must-do activity when in the local area so we’re pleased to have been able to help keep it on track by funding the much-needed repair works.”