DESIGNS for a new £2 million train station in Caernarfon have been unveiled. 

The Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway lifted the lid on its latest design for the proposed new station to replace the current temporary station on St Helen’s Road which has been in place since 1997. 

Work will not start until late 2016 to early 2017, but the project is expected to safeguard more than 150 jobs. 

Dafydd Thomas, Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railway infrastructure manager, said: "The plans for a new Caernarfon station building continue to make progress and the detailed process of gaining the necessary funding is now happening. 

"In trying to secure the large amounts required - we are looking at about £2m - potential funders need a lot of detailed information 

“To that end, we are working closely with architects Purcell and other specialist companies.” 

Since the Welsh Highland opened in the town in 1997, when it ran just three miles to Dinas, the 25 mile line, which is the UK's longest heritage railway, has been extended in stages, finally opening to Porthmadog in 2011. 

Throughout that time, Caernarfon Station has been a temporary structure. 

With the opening of the £1.3 million redevelopment of Porthmadog Harbour Station in May 2014, attention turned to the provision of a station in Caernarfon. 

The railway held two public consultation events in the town last year and has incorporated ideas and suggestions made by local residents and visitors into the new design, which will include retail, catering and display areas covering two floors.