Levelling Up Fund: Rhyl Gateway Pocket Park

Project background

The Rhyl Town Centre Gateway Pocket Park is a key regeneration project supported by Round 3 of the UK Government’s former Levelling Up Fund. Located at the southern end of Rhyl High Street, at the junction with Brighton Road, the site contained buildings that had become structurally unsafe. These were partially demolished in 2022 with support from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns Programme.

Rather than redevelop the site with new buildings, Denbighshire County Council is transforming the space into a small, vibrant green area, known as a "pocket park." Designed to create a more attractive and welcoming entrance into the town centre, the park will offer a place for people to enjoy the improved public realm. This initiative forms part of the Council’s wider Pride of Place and Natural Environment programme, which aims to enhance the quality of place and promote wellbeing across Rhyl.

Key points

We hope the project will:

1. Replaces unsafe and unsightly buildings, enhancing a key entrance to the town centre.
2. Complements other public realm improvements funded through the UK Government’s Pride of Place and Natural Environment in Rhyl programmes.
3. Supports town centre revitalisation, improves biodiversity, and increases canopy cover.

Current position

The site has now been partially cleared, and detailed design plans for the new pocket park have been developed. A public consultation was held in early 2025 to gather feedback on the proposed design.

Both the planning application and conservation area consent applications have been submitted. As the site falls within a designated conservation area, both applications are required to move the project forward.

Subject to approval, construction is expected to begin in early 2026.

Gallery

Artist’s impressions of the park show the proposed design for the pocket park. Introducing a welcoming public space with new seating, planting, lighting, and cycle parking. The layout includes improved paving, heritage signage restoration, and enhanced green areas to create a more attractive environment for residents and visitors.

Consultation

Thank you to everyone who took part in the recent consultation on the proposed Pocket Park at Rhyl Gateway. We are grateful for the time and thought that residents, businesses, and visitors contributed to help shape the future of this space.

Who Responded?

A total of 101 responses were received. The majority of participants were local residents and business owners.

What you told us - positive feedback

The consultation showed broad support for the proposed Pocket Park design. Key highlights included:

• Native planting and trees were welcomed for their contribution to biodiversity and the overall environmental quality of the area.
• The inclusion of level access throughout the park was supported to ensure accessibility for all.
• A variety of seating options was seen as a valuable feature, offering flexibility for enjoying the surroundings.
• The restoration of historic signage, uncovered during demolition, was appreciated as a way to celebrate Rhyl’s heritage and character.
• Overall, the scheme was viewed as a significant improvement on the current condition of the site, with many respondents optimistic about its potential to enhance the gateway into Rhyl.

What you told us - key concerns

While many respondents supported the project, several concerns were raised:

• The potential for anti-social behaviour and inappropriate use of the space
• The importance of ongoing maintenance, particularly in relation to litter, vandalism, and dog fouling
• Suggestions that funding could be better directed towards other local priorities
• Limited support for cycle storage, with some questioning its relevance to the location
• Recommendations for CCTV to help ensure the park remains a safe and welcoming environment