Welcome to the fourth newsletter for the Local Regeneration Fund projects in Rhyl, Prestatyn and Denbigh.
This newsletter provides an update on the progress on the projects that are funded through the UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund. The funds secured have been awarded for these 7 successful projects only and are non-transferrable to alternative projects or services. Further information on all of the projects can be found on the Council’s website.
Follow Denbighshire County Council on social media to stay up to date with all seven projects.
Rhyl Town Centre Public Realm and Central Promenade
Project Purpose: To create a more attractive and accessible town centre, strengthening the connection between the promenade and the high street.
The project team carried out engagement with local businesses in April. Feedback from the businesses on the design proposals was positive. A small number of businesses have raised concerns about having benches outside their premises, mainly due to issues with anti-social behaviour. Rather than changing the overall design of the scheme, we are working with North Wales Police to consider how the space can be managed in the future. This includes exploring joint approaches to enforcement, addressing street drinking, and responding to wider anti-social behaviour, to help ensure the area is safe and welcoming for everyone.
The next public engagement event will take place at Queens Market on 1 July 2026. During the event you will be able to view the detailed design in person with the project team available to answer questions. Designs will also be available online and in Rhyl Library.
Rhyl Gateway Pocket Park
Project Purpose: To remove unsafe buildings at 123 - 131 High Street and create a welcoming green space with planting and seating for everyone to enjoy.
Planning and Sustainable Drainage approval have been received which is a major milestone completed. In order to progress to demolition, the pest issue must be resolved, the project team have appointed a specialist pest control contractor to carry out this work. Communication with local properties and business will commence soon.
We will be advertising the demolition contract and inviting contractors to submit their bids once all the required approvals are in place.
To keep disruption to a minimum, the demolition work is being planned for the autumn. Once a contractor is appointed and the timetable is confirmed, we will share the full details, including when the work will start and how it will be carried out.
Rhyl Gateway Pocket Park: North West View:
Rhyl Gateway Pocket Park: North East View (Night):
Former North Wales Hospital
Project Purpose: To protect the Grade II listed building by removing unsafe sections and supporting its future restoration and use.
Enabling Works commenced on site in November and are now complete, involving the removal and relocation of rubble to enable access for the next stage, alongside vegetation clearance to support easier surveying. In addition, ecological mitigation measures have also been completed, including the construction of two bat barns.
Jones Bros are currently undertaking additional security works across the site, focusing on securing key and potentially dangerous buildings. These measures are aimed at protecting the existing structures and, as far as possible, reducing the risk of unauthorised access to ensure the safety of the public and site personnel.
The contract for Asbestos Removal, Demolition and Site Clearance has now been formally signed, and Jones Bros are in the process of mobilising and preparing to commence works on this next phase of the project.
Former North Wales Hospital, Denbigh:
Bat Barn:
Former North Wales Hospital - Denbigh
Prestatyn High Street
Project Purpose: To enhance the high street with improved public spaces and planting, making it easier for everyone to access.
Traffic trial
The traffic trial is continuing with a two-way system in place on Bridge Road. Phase 2 of the trial is scheduled to begin on Friday 26th June. This phase will involve reversing the traffic flow on the lower section of the High Street, so vehicles will travel up the High Street from the mini roundabout. This change will mean the retail park has three exit routes: Bridge Road, High Street and Nant Hall Road.
Vehicles will not be permitted to turn left onto the High Street from Ffordd Pendyffryn and will instead need to access the petrol station side of town via Nant Hall Road and through the retail park. Data will be collected from a camera located near the petrol station to assess both phases of the trial.
Public consultation
A public consultation is now live and will run until Sunday 5 July 2026. The consultation is available online, with designs published on the council’s website and is also available to view at Prestatyn Library.
We also hosted a public information event at Scala Cinema on 3 June, where attendees viewed the concept designs and engaging in valuable discussions with the project team and engineers.
Public information event:
Feedback from the consultation will help inform the final design of the scheme, which is planned to go out to tender in the autumn. It will also help determine whether the current traffic arrangements should become permanent or whether Bridge Road and the lower High Street should return to their original layout.
Detailed design
Following the consultation, any necessary changes to the design will be made during the summer period.
Procurement
The project is due to go out to tender in the autumn to appoint a contractor for the construction phase. The aim is to award the contract before the end of the year, allowing the contractor to begin preparatory work in early 2027.
Prestatyn Morfa Nature Park
Project Purpose: To enhance the wetland as a peaceful and accessible place for all to enjoy, with better connections for walkers and cyclists.
The project continues to work closely with Network Rail to ensure the nature trail connects seamlessly with their access improvements. Regular meetings are also taking place with Natural Resources Wales to ensure the trail meets access requirements and flood risk considerations.
The project team is working with environmental specialists to protect local wildlife. Surveys have confirmed there is no activity from protected species, such as water voles along the proposed route, although some mitigation work will be required to enhance nearby habitats.
The next key milestone is to complete the engineering design, confirm costs, and prepare the necessary planning and flood risk permit applications.
Thank you for your continued interest in the Local Regeneration Fund: Rhyl, Prestatyn and Denbigh. We look forward to sharing further updates as these projects progress. If you have any questions or would like to get in touch, please contact us at corporateprogrammeoffice@denbighshire.gov.uk.