New operator of Rhyl's Queen’s Market is hotel and leisure group

Following a "rigorous and competitive" tender process, Denbighshire County Council's Cabinet have agreed that the Mikhail Hotel & Leisure Group are to be granted the contract to be the operator at the premises.

The £12.6m Queen’s Market will provide a mixed-use hall which is set to offer a collection of artisan eateries, retail and events space.

The development includes 16 individual food and retail units, a double-sided bar, a large flexible events space and an external area capable of holding events, markets or seating.

Construction on the site began in August last year after Bodelwyddan-based Wynne Construction were appointed by the Council to carry out the design and construction.

Queens Market, Rhyl concept image. (Image: Denbighshire County Council)

The building set to be handed back to Denbighshire County Council on July 17.

Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of Denbighshire County Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth and Tackling Deprivation said: “We are committed to the long-term development of Rhyl, with the new market being an integral part of this overall vision. This will bring multiple new job opportunities and will offer the residents of Denbighshire with a unique retail offering, as well visitors who come to Rhyl from further afield.

"The Queen’s Market has been the centrepiece of Rhyl since 1902 and has provided a variety of uses for the town. The building has a sentimental status, which is to be enhanced through the redevelopment of this historic site.

"There has been a £65 million investment to regenerate Rhyl for residents and businesses alike, focused on leisure, commerce, and community projects. The Queens market is yet another step in these developments, which will offer a new and exciting space for the people of Rhyl, and Denbighshire as a whole”.

Andrew Mikhail, Chairman of Mikhail Hotel & Leisure Group said: "I am delighted that Mikhail Hotel & Leisure Group has been named as the operator of Queens Market in Rhyl. We are determined to deliver excellence in every aspect of Queens Market.

"We have demonstrated our ability to create thriving destinations, and now we embark on a new chapter of transforming this venue into a vibrant hub of leisure, hospitality, and community.

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"With passion, innovation, and a commitment to exceptional experiences, we will strive to surpass expectations and bring to life a market that captures the essence of Rhyl's unique spirit. Together, we will write a remarkable success story and leave a lasting legacy for generations to come”.

Denbighshire County Council will now work with the Mikhail Hotel & Leisure Group on agreeing and signing the contract to be the operator of the Queen’s Market.

The local authorty will also work with the group, who are behind hospitality brands such as The Eccleston Arms Bar & Grill in St Helen's, The Grand in Southport and The Brewery Tap in Cains brewery Village in Liverpool, to achieve their vision for the interior of the market.

The bar, hot food and market kiosks will be fitted out. 

A strategy and target date for opening the facility is set to be negotiated and agreed with the operator. 

The council will also work with the hotel and leisure group on identifying and securing tenants for the units.