PLANS have been put forward to build a wakeboarding facility and seasonal inflatable course on the former Sun Centre site in Rhyl.

Proposals to construct a lake or pool to support a wake boarding facility, with a café and toilet block on land next to East Parade Car Park, have been submitted to Denbighshire County Council by Simon Jones of Pro Kitesurfing.

The new proposed facility is described as a 'unique' venue, with its nearest similar competitor being Adventure Parc Snowdonia encompassing Surf Snowdonia in Dolgarrog.

JPH Architects have been appointed to prepare a design for the proposed development.

A Design and Access Statement for the development states: "It is perceived that the visitor economy for Rhyl would be significantly improved by the addition of this leisure/sport facility as it will offer a variety of interesting events and training. The site will be able to give an exhilarating, exciting and distinctive experience throughout the whole year.

"We believe that interest from people outside of the area will be extensive as it is a unique venue with the nearest similar competitor being Surf Snowdonia.

"The infrastructure is sympathetic and in keeping with the shape and sense of the promenade ensuring it is an attractive place to visit with easy accessibility to public transport whilst also providing adequate parking, public space and amenities.

"The site will be able to cater for the needs of visitors and offer a social outlet to residents it will also be a boost to the local economy e.g. hotels, bars, pubs and restaurants.

"We are mindful that increasing visitors to Denbighshire is extremely valuable as it contributes a significant amount to the economy annually and employs around 5,000 people thereby making it one of the key employment sectors for the county.

"Denbighshire has a growing reputation in the outdoor activity sector and this project will expand the type of sports on offer. It is our belief that this high quality development should be supported and encouraged. The coastal resorts of North Wales traditionally attract a large number of staying and day visitors.

"It could be said that sometimes Rhyl is failing to keep up with the necessary changes in the visitor market and have often continued to be reliant on long family holidays thereby minimising the appeal to visitors seeking a new and unusual leisure experience. On-going initiatives to regenerate Rhyl and Prestatyn are slowly having the effect of creating an improvement to the environment and this will gradually create growth in economic prosperity."

The development, which is located on the former Sun Centre site, will benefit from on site parking.

The Sun Centre was demolished in 2016. The vacant land has been turfed over.

Mr Jones is the owner of Pks Watersports and kitesurfing school and already operates a kite surfing business and retail outlet in this location.