Rugby and pop concerts are assisting the regeneration of the seaside town, says a special report which has been compiled on the economic impact of the new stadium in Colwyn Bay, which was completed in November 2011.
Since then, the Welsh Rugby Union, European Regional Development Fund, Welsh Government and Conwy County Council funded stadium, has attracted thousands of visitors to see stars likes of Olly Murs and Little Mix in Access All Eirias concerts, while the Wales under 20s rugby games have also been sell-outs – with more than 6,500 fans at every game.
As well as putting the town on the map the extra visitors have boosted local businesses providing accommodation, pubs, eating places and shops to the tune of around £2m.
This success is set to continue with a major name in the music business to be revealed for Access All Eirias 2014 according to the Daily Post.
Wendy Wilson, owner of The Marine Hotel, Old Colwyn, said: “We get a 50% increase in trade when there’s a rugby match at Eirias. We’ve got three bars and they’re all full to capacity when a match is on. It’s a big boost to us especially when the economy is so sluggish at the moment and people are tightening their spending.”
John Jones, managing director at Powlson Printers, said: “All these events bring in increased footfall to the town and surrounding areas, local business can grow with these events. From these events we have seen a great increase in work to us which in the longer term helps us secure local jobs.”
Sandy McCallum, of Bryn Woodlands House, said: “We have received a great response and bookings from the rugby community and visiting teams at the Eirias Park facility and we look forward to consolidating this new source of revenue in 2014.”
The report by Conwy council found the project had also created 10 direct full time jobs.
The WRU’s Rupert Moon, who is rugby team RGC 1404 general manager, said: “Parc Eirias is a fantastic asset for Colwyn Bay. Sports fans from all over the world come to watch first-class matches and it has really helped put us on the international map.
“Welsh rugby is vital for prosperity and the regeneration of Colwyn Bay. We have already seen that hotels and guesthouses in Colwyn Bay are booked up on match days and fans who travel to the town are choosing to make purchases in local shops, restaurants and attractions.”
