An abandoned Victorian reservoir hidden beneath a seaside park in Llandudno, Wales, could soon reopen as a tourist attraction. The underground structure, known locally as the 'sunken palace', sits below Happy Valley and was built in the late 19th century to supply water to the expanding resort.
History of the reservoir
The reservoir officially opened on June 17, 1880, by the then Prince of Wales. It once held around a million gallons of water, housed in a vast brick chamber with vaulted ceilings reaching almost six metres high, supported by 248 red-brick arches. As demand for water grew, the reservoir was decommissioned and drained in the mid-20th century. Its grass roof later became a putting green.
Plans for Llandudno Vaults
Now, developers plan to transform the structure into an immersive arts and heritage venue called Llandudno Vaults. The venue would celebrate Welsh history, myths and folklore through storytelling, music and interactive technology. A new entrance would be cut into the Happy Valley hillside, replacing the current access only via a manhole.
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."
Funding and timeline
Around £20,000 has already been secured towards the development. A planning application is expected to be submitted later this year. The project aims to create "a cultural attraction that will preserve its heritage and unlock new opportunities for the region", according to its website.
