Then and now: Derelict pub turned community working space in Rhyl

The stunning transformation is thanks to £331,724 funding from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme and the European Regional Development Fund — but where did it all begin?

THEN

Costigans began its life as the property of Mr James Costigan — who acquired a licence to sell alcohol there in the mid-1800s.

The premises later became known as the ‘Railway Refreshment Rooms’, which held masses for members of the Catholic community before the arrival of a Catholic church in Rhyl.

In 1951 the pub was re-branded as ‘The Mermaid’ and many years later, it became the base of Rhyl Folk Club.

After years of desolation, Costigans in Rhyl town centre, was dubbed an ‘eyesore’ — and when a devastating fire ravaged the building in 2009, matters were only made worse.

Image courtesy of Denbighshire County Council

The former pub was attended by over 20 firefighters from across Rhyl and Abergele who spent three hours putting out the blaze. But still, the building was left in a semi-derelict state, with multiple complaints received from local residents.

The council purchased the building in its fire damaged condition over 10 years ago, and carried out exterior refurbishment. The interior remained untouched and the building lay vacant for a number of years after.

Committed to changing the building’s fate, in October 2019, Denbighshire County Council was awarded £312,000 to regenerate the pre-loved space — through funding from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme and the European Regional Development Fund.

Image courtesy of Denbighshire County Council

NOW

Redeveloped by the Council throughout 2019 and 2020, the 19th century building will now operate as a working space for around 20 small businesses and freelancers, with a coffee shop onsite and plenty of space for tenants to host events. Plus, it’s fully serviced by superfast broadband. The building will be run by Town Square Spaces Ltd.

Currently closed due to Wales-wide coronavirus restrictions, the newly regenerated building is set to open its doors for the first time in 2021.  

With the support of the Transforming Towns programme, the Costigans building has been given a new lease of life to bring it back into productive communal use. With a striking architectural layout which fosters a collaborative environment, the space now combines light, open space with convenient, practical designs in a modern style.

The design hasn’t completely turned its back on the site’s history, however. The decorative Costigans glass signs take inspiration from the building’s belle-epoch roots: commemorating the site’s 19th century beginnings, when it was owned by Irish teetotaller, James Costigan.

Image courtesy of Denbighshire County Council

Located opposite the train and bus station in the centre of Rhyl, this once semi-derelict space will now welcome a new generation of businesses, freelancers, and start-ups to the hub from across Rhyl and the wider Denbighshire area.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: “We are very pleased to be working in partnership with Welsh Government Transforming Towns and Towns Square on this project.

“The business centre will create a wide range of opportunities for Rhyl town centre and I am looking forward to seeing it develop.

“This project is part of the wider regeneration action plan created to benefit the whole of Denbighshire.”

Deputy Minister for Housing and Local Government, Hannah Blythyn said: “The regeneration of Costigans will bring a vital boost to the local economy, while providing a strong example of the lasting benefits that town and city regeneration can bring to Welsh communities.

“The arrival of a local business hub will have a transformative impact on the town’s small businesses, freelancers, and local entrepreneurs hoping to start their own business venture in Rhyl.

“We hope the space can attract a wide range of entrepreneurs and businesses in need of space to develop and grow, and we look forward to seeing the impact this has on young people’s employment prospects in the area in particular.”

Image courtesy of Denbighshire County Council

For more information on Costigans and to request more information about the space, click here.