Rhyl waterfront developments move to the next stage
Exciting proposals to redevelop Rhyl waterfront as part of the wider regeneration of the seaside town have moved to the next stage, with Denbighshire’s Cabinet giving the Council the green light to enter into a formal agreement with Neptune Developments.
The developers were appointed in February 2015 to come up with concepts that would assist the Council in revitalising leisure and facilities along this part of the Denbighshire coastline. The waterfront development is part of recreating Rhyl as a place where people want come to live and visit, and follows on from other key investments such as the Harbour, West Rhyl urban park, new housing and key investments in the Promenade.
The Cabinet, meeting in County Hall, Ruthin today (Tuesday, February 16th) has approved the Council to enter into an Overarching Regeneration Agreement, with each element of the regeneration being phased and subject to further approval to proceed. It is important to note, however, that both the detailed content and timescales for the proposals at this stage are indicative only.
The proposed scheme developed by Neptune Developments is currently split into five distinct zones along the Rhyl coast:
- The Cultural & Hospitality Zone – refurbishment of the Pavilion Theatre, construction of new hotel and family pub/restaurant, demolition of the Sun Centre and potential replacement with a facility to complement the Pavilion (details of which are still under development).
- The Active Leisure Zone – creation of new commercial outdoor activities in the area between Memorial Garden and the outdoor Events Arena
- The Family Entertainment Zone – construction of Town Plaza with high quality public realm and restaurant zone, positioned by the existing cinema and around the Sky Tower, which is proposed for refurbishment as a static light beacon. The proposals for this zone also incorporate revisions to the Children’s Village and Underground Car Park areas.
- The Aquatic Centre – new leisure facility to replace the former Sun Centre, to be located next to the Family Entertainment Zone.
- The Town Centre – developments to ensure the regenerated Waterfront links appropriately to the Town Centre to ensure footfall flows into this area.
The first phase is anticipated to be the Cultural & Hospitality Zone.
A two day exhibition was held by Neptune Developments in the White Rose Centre, Rhyl and was then relocated to Rhyl One Stop Shop for a further 14 days to provide additional time for all who had an interest in the proposals to view and comment on them. The public response was overwhelmingly positive to the proposals presented.
Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, who is also the Cabinet Lead Member for the Economy, said: “These proposals will regenerate the Rhyl Waterfront, adding new attractions, consolidating existing ones and introducing missing commercial elements, all of which it is anticipated will significantly increase footfall in Rhyl – both from visitors but importantly also from Rhyl, Denbighshire and wider North Wales residents.
“The proposals constitute a key element of the next phase of regeneration work in Rhyl.
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