ASSURANCES have been given that a paused multi-million-pound development will keep going in order to breathe new life into Rhyl’s town centre.

The Journal has previously reported how demolition works on the Queen’s site have currently been put on hold whilst contractors work with structural engineers to determine how the remaining buildings can be safely demolished.

The project is halfway through its plan – with Wye Valley Demolition having knocked down the former Savoy Hotel, Bistro and the garages.

The next planned stages include clearing the Market Hall, the former Fusion night club, Queens Hotel and other associated buildings on the street.

When asked for an update on how the scheme would continue, a Welsh Government spokesperson said they remain committed to the project, that will be vital to ‘reinvigorate’ the town.

They added: “Our Transforming Towns programme includes a package of support for town centres now worth nearly £120 million, including investments of almost £14m in Rhyl.

“This investment remains vital in supporting our town centres and is delivering major capital projects which are repurposing empty property and land in town centres across Wales.

“The redevelopment of the Queen’s Market is central to Rhyl’s regeneration, providing a new mix of uses on the site to help reinvigorate the town centre, with a clear focus on returning the site to a productive economic use and providing new business and employment opportunities.

“We are working closely with Denbighshire County Council in monitoring the delivery of this important project. The impacts of these issues on project timeframes and funding are currently being assessed.”

Cllr Hugh Evans, leader of Denbighshire County Council, previously said that the scheme was ‘progressing well’.

He added: “This short pause in the demolition is to ensure public safety and the safety of operatives within the Queens Theatre and arcade who are currently removing the asbestos that was discovered within those buildings.

“It is great to see such a large-scale project progressing in Rhyl and the new market hall and event space planned for the site will play a vital role in revitalising Rhyl town centre and wider Denbighshire economy.

“The project is already providing career opportunities for people within the community. So far four, six-month apprenticeships have been secured as part of the demolition contract, along with additional work experience placements for local people via the Council’s Working Denbighshire project.”