Hidden Victorian Reservoir to Become Immersive Venue
For over a century, visitors to Llandudno have unknowingly walked above a hidden marvel. Beneath the Great Orme lies Y Fach, a Victorian reservoir so grand it has been compared to an 'underground cathedral'. Now, plans are underway to transform this long-forgotten chamber into a major tourist attraction named Llandudno Vaults.
The reservoir, built in the 19th century and officially opened by the Prince of Wales on June 17, 1880, was part of an ambitious scheme to solve water shortages in the growing seaside town. When operational, it held 936,000 gallons of water at 12 feet deep. In 1914, brick arches and a covering were installed to integrate the structure into the landscape, creating a concealed cavernous chamber that eventually became redundant and abandoned. Its grassy covering later became a putting green.
Comparisons to Istanbul's Basilica Cistern
The reservoir's towering brick pillars and vaulted ceilings have drawn comparisons to Istanbul's Basilica Cistern, known as the 'Sunken Palace'. Entry was originally via a manhole requiring ladders. The Llandudno Vaults project aims to create a new entrance in Happy Valley, offering a year-round immersive experience blending Victorian engineering, Welsh mythology, and interactive technology.
Andy White, managing director of Llandudno Vaults, said: 'For more than a century, thousands of people have walked across Happy Valley without realising what's beneath their feet. The reservoir is one of north Wales' hidden engineering treasures, and our ambition is to reveal it in a way that respects its history while creating a completely new visitor experience.'
Community and Economic Impact
The project has secured a £20,000 grant, though significantly larger funding will be needed to complete the plans. Conwy county councillor Sharon Doleman commented: 'The Llandudno Vaults project presents an exciting opportunity to unlock a hidden part of the town's heritage and create a truly unique visitor experience. By combining Victorian history and engineering with Welsh culture, mythology and storytelling, it has the potential to become a distinctive year-round attraction that complements Llandudno's existing tourism offer.'
The team plans to submit a planning application later this year and has begun consulting local businesses and stakeholders. The Llandudno Vaults website describes the venue as a place where 'Welsh myths and creatures are brought vividly to life through storytelling, music, and interactive technology', allowing visitors to 'descend into an atmospheric world where water, echoing acoustics, and Victorian engineering merge with projection, sound, and performance'.
Historical Significance
The reservoir's history dates back to St Tudno, the sixth-century patron saint of Llandudno, who relied on spring water from the area. The town's rapid 19th-century growth, fueled by Victorian tourism, strained water supplies, prompting the construction of surface reservoirs including Y Fach. In 1880, Professor Frankland declared the water 'excellent for dietetic and all domestic purposes', noting its softness and palatability.
After decades as an unremarkable installation, the reservoir was discreetly concealed in 1914 and gradually faded from memory. The Llandudno Vaults project aims to revive this hidden engineering treasure as a cultural landmark.
