Establishing the options for redeveloping Rhyl’s visitor attractions is the focus of a new study for the traditional seaside destination.
Denbighshire County Council, together with the Department of Economy and Transport of the Welsh Assembly Government have commissioned a study to investigate the future of all weather visitor attractions in Rhyl and how to reinvigorate the appeal of this important coastal town.
The study is to be led by international consultancy Hyder Consulting in association with Roberts Limbrick Architects and Arwel Jones Associates, with the objective of reviewing the town’s key visitor attractions and to identify what form, if any, new investment should take place.
The study will specifically examine the town’s Suncentre and Pavilion Theatre, as well as other cultural and leisure facilities owned by the Council along the Denbighshire coastal strip, to ensure future capital investment is both sustainable and meets the needs of a changing visitor market as well as the local community.
Owen Davies, Associate Director with Hyder said “The coastal areas around Rhyl are a strategic priority for regeneration with significant investment being made in improving perception and experience of visitors to the town. The study will be building upon the work that has already started to address the visitor and local economy and masterplanning of Rhyl and we will be regularly meeting local stakeholders throughout the course of the study to ensure our work reflects the current and future potential for a sustainable, all-year, all weather attraction and theatre in Rhyl.”
Councillor David Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Regeneration, said: 'This latest project looking at regeneration in terms of coastal attractions is an important tool in the wider regeneration of Rhyl. The area is heavily dependent on the tourism industry which attracts thousands of holidaymakers and day trippers year on year to the resort.
'It is vitally important that we make the best use of our tourism and recreational assets to allow the industry to continue to flourish and provide a welcome boost in the town. '
The study is expected to last several months and will involve an economic impact assessment of the role and impact on the local economy of Rhyl’s attractions, and recommendations on the refurbishment and new build options as well as future management arrangements.
