THE newly developed £12.6million Queen's Market in Rhyl is still without an operator.

In June 2023, it was revealed that Mikhail Hotel & Leisure Group had been awarded the contract to operate the premises but in December 2023, after "careful consideration and discussion", Denbighshire County Council and and the leisure group "mutually agreed" not to take forward their proposed partnership; both parties agreed that a "collaborative vision" for the Queen's Market could not be achieved.

The local authority have confirmed they are still in the process of appointing an operator.

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: “The council are currently implementing a new plan to appoint an operator for the facility.

"Further updates regarding this will be provided once an agreement is made.”

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.

Last year, Gareth Davies, MS for Vale of Clwyd, termed Mikhail Hotel & Leisure Group pulling out of the deal as "deeply concerning".

He said at the time: "The people of Rhyl need reassurance that they will reap the rewards of the money that's been invested, and it won't be spent in vain."

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

Many residents have taken to Rhyl Community Forum public group to discuss the Queen's Market development. 

One person wrote: "I can't understand why the council don't run it? I'd love to know the real reason the original company pulled out when they did."

Another said: "The new market should have been open this year. They want a push in the right way to tell what we want in the town. I miss the old Rhyl - we must stand up for what we want and show them how we want things to be done before they run out of money."

Another wrote: "Why on earth do they have to have an independent company to run it? Why aren't they keeping it in-house?"

Another person termed it as a "big white elephant and a total waste of money."