A UK seaside town, often described as 'left behind', is set for a complete transformation due to a massive regeneration project. Located in Denbighshire on the North Wales coastline, Rhyl's reputation has taken a hit in recent years.
In 2023, it was subject to a scathing review from the Telegraph, which ranked it among the country's 'worst' seaside resorts. The publication gave it a dismal rating of 5/100, arguing that efforts to make Rhyl a 'desirable destination' had fallen flat.
"The Ocean Beach funfair closed in 2007; A Sky Tower ride was decommissioned.; There were plans to make it a light show - it's now a pay-and-display car park," the review read. "No past, no arts or entertainment, no fun: gentrification is not suited to all seaside towns but Rhyl – once unfortunately dubbed the 'Costa del Dole' and, on one occasion, 'Blackpool after a neutron bomb' – is how not to do things."
However, it seems Rhyl is gearing up to reinvent itself and reclaim its former glory with a £20 million makeover from the government. In 2023, Rishi Sunak announced a list of 'left behind' towns set to benefit from a £1.1 billion levelling up investment. This aims to provide local councils with funds to ensure public safety, support additional housing, and rejuvenate struggling high streets.
Former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak had voiced his concerns about the state of UK towns, commenting: "Towns are the place most of us call home and where most of us go to work. But politicians have always taken towns for granted and focused on cities. The result is the half-empty high streets, run-down shopping centres and anti-social behaviour that undermine many towns' prosperity and hold back people's opportunity – and without a new approach, these problems will only get worse."
In an exclusive interview with the Mirror, Denbighshire County Council dismissed allegations that the town is in crisis, instead describing its future as 'exciting'. A council spokesperson revealed that over the past decade, a whopping £200 million has been invested into the area for its 'long-term' development.
"This includes over £100 million to upgrade the sea defences to protect Rhyl from coastal flooding and to safeguard the future of Rhyl as a place to live, work and visit," they added. "The final part of these sea defence works (in central Rhyl) are due to be completed this summer. This has also enabled us to replace the old drift park children's play area with a brand-new play area which has been designed to be accessible to all."
Denbighshire County Council's ambitious regeneration efforts are set to bring a fresh vibe to the town with the development of a new food hall and events facility, Queen's Market, anticipated to open this summer. The market, which has been vacant for some time, will boast 16 individual food and retail units, a double-sided bar, a substantial flexible events space, and an extensive external area suitable for hosting events, markets, or as additional seating.
Currently in its first phase, the Queen's Market is expected to create numerous job opportunities for local residents. "Future phases could include a mixture of developments to support tourism, employment and economic growth in the town, with discussions taking place about a potential hotel, in addition to potential residential, retail, and leisure uses."
Rhyl's massive makeover
The transformation of Rhyl is well underway, with the town benefiting from a significant portion of the government's £20 million levelling up fund. Rhyl has earmarked £12 million of this fund for 'improvement projects in the town centre and central promenade', although specific details of these improvements have not been disclosed.
In addition to the Queen's Market, Denbighshire County Council has 'significantly' invested in enhancing leisure and entertainment facilities. This includes the introduction of a new indoor water park and Ninja assault course, which has already contributed 65 new jobs to the region.
Moreover, the Rhyl Pavilion Theatre has seen a £2.4 million makeover, now featuring a stylish new restaurant and bar that offers 'breath-taking' coastal views.
"The council has delivered many projects to improve green space areas for the health and well-being benefits of residents and visitors," said the spokesperson. "For example, the Brickfield Pond Nature Reserve has undergone a period of transformation and redevelopment, areas of the historic Rhyl Cut waterway have been improved, and the Maes Gwilym nature reserve has recently been created in Southeast Rhyl."
Rhyl's regeneration efforts are paying off, attracting more tourists to the seaside town. The private sector has played a significant role in boosting the local economy lately, with developments such as a Premier Inn and Travelodge on the promenade and the recent auction purchase of The White Rose Shopping Centre for above its guide price.
These investments are contributing to Rhyl's tourism boom, with the town seeing an impressive 1.8 million visitors in 2023, up from 1.7 million in pre-Covid years, indicating that despite ongoing work, Rhyl's facelift is making a tangible difference.
