Denbighshire: ‘Food hall can be a game-changer for Rhyl’

Denbighshire Council’s cabinet met on Tuesday to discuss the preferred supplier for the operation of the Queen’s Market, which is currently under the first phase of construction.

The council says it doesn’t have the capacity to run the food hall, and consequently, several bidders were initially considered.

Following an evaluation process, a preferred supplier has been chosen and recommended by the project board, satisfying the council’s due diligence checks.

Work on the Queen's Market in Rhyl is nearing completion (Image: Denbighshire County Council)

The project board then recommended the council appoint the preferred supplier, working with them to deliver the final fit-out of the Queen’s Market and agree a strategy and timeline for opening to the public.

The matter was, though, discussed behind closed doors, due to financial sensitivity, but Denbighshire’s leader Cllr Jason McLellan said he believed Queen’s Market was key to the wider-regeneration effort in Rhyl.

“We are seeking the approval of cabinet today to award a contract to the preferred supplier for the operation of the Queen’s Market food hall and event space,” he said.

“We all know the Queen’s Market is a key development for the council and the key project in a strategy for the regeneration of Rhyl.

“I feel it is an exciting project.

“It really is an exciting project, and I’m delighted now we’re at the stage where we are now ready to bring an operator on board.

“The market can really be a game-changer for Rhyl – and a catalyst for further investment in the town.

“Other businesses will see an opportunity and see Rhyl as a town really worth investing in.

“I’m really pleased there was interest from several operators.”

He added: “I see that as a vote of confidence in Rhyl and the economy of Rhyl and of what we the council are trying to achieve.”

An announcement of the preferred bidder is set to follow.