Operator for Queen's Market in Rhyl to be 'on board by end of June'

In an interview with the Journal, Tony Ward, Corporate Director for Economy and Environment at Denbighshire County Council, said: "There is a lot of work going on in Rhyl at the moment. A lot of regeneration work and there is a lot that has gone on over the last few years with the work on the Pavilion Theatre, 1891, SC2 [etc].

"We are now working on the new Queen's Market that is going to be a food hall and event space. We are really excited about that. 

"We are looking to have an operator on board by the end of this month so we can start discussing the plan for when we can open the facility." 

CGI image of what the site will look like when completed. (Image: Denbighshire County Council)

Bodelwyddan-based Wynne Construction was appointed by Denbighshire County Council to carry out the design and construction of the brand-new £12.6m Queen’s Market. The scheme also includes the refurbishment of the historic Queen’s Chambers off Sussex Street.

The Queen's Market will provide a mixed-use hall, offering a collection of Artisan eateries, retail and events space.

The development includes 18 individual units, including five hot food units, a double-sided bar and large flexible events space internally and an external area capable of holding events, markets or seating.

The site is expected to be handed back to Denbighshire Council upon completion in July. 

The project is the latest stage in the wider regeneration vision for Rhyl. Major projects that have attracted multi-million pound private and public sector investment. Developments include: The renovation of the Pavilion Theatre and creation of the 1891 Restaurant; Rhyl Seafront Travelodge; Premier Inn, Cookhouse and Pub; SC2 Waterpark and Ninja Tag; The Pont y Ddraig Bridge and Harbour improvements; Gerddi Heulwen housing and community park and the Costigan's Coworking Space.

Vital coastal defence works are also taking place.

Balfour Beatty were appointed to deliver two coastal defence schemes valued at £97million. These have been funded by Welsh Government and Denbighshire County Council.

The Central Rhyl Coastal Defence scheme will see Balfour Beatty replace over 600 metres of original sea walls and construct a new rock armour defence in Rhyl, whilst the Central Prestatyn Coastal Defence scheme will see the company create a new coastal erosion embankment spanning 1,600 metres along the coastline in Prestatyn.

The two schemes, which are valued at £69 million and £28 million respectively, will protect more than 2,500 homes, businesses and the tourist economy in the county from flooding and coastal erosion.

RELATED STORIES

• Rhyl, Prestatyn and Kinmel Bay hit by worst floods in 20 years and gale force winds
• GALLERY: Rhyl flood victims quiz Vale of Clwyd election hopefuls
• Wynne Construction have a full order book with £60m worth of schemes
• Latest artist impressions as new planning application is submitted for multi-million pound Queen's Market redevelopment in Rhyl
• Regret at conclusion that buildings are 'beyond repair' as work continues ahead of transformation of Rhyl's Queen's Market

The East Rhyl Coastal Defence scheme has been completed. 

Re-iterating the importance of the schemes, Mr Ward said: "East Rhyl was subjected to significant and devastating flooding in 2013 which is why we started the work in East Rhyl first. 

"But we now need to do the same here [Central Rhyl] because the sea defences in Rhyl are more than 100 years old. They are beyond their natural life and they are not fit for purpose now because of the impact of climate change.

"We need to do these works in terms of securing the future of the town and to make sure it is sustainable for businesses, for residents and as a tourist town as well."