DESPITE downcast economic studies and social distancing, the regeneration of Rhyl has not been cancelled by Covid-19.

Denbighshire County Council has reaffirmed its commitment to a number of projects including the flagship development of the Queen’s Complex.

The reassurances from the Council follow research, conducted in April by the Centre for Towns and the University of Southampton, which found Rhyl in 20 most economically ‘at risk’ town’s in England and Wales from the impact of the pandemic.

A spokesman for Denbighshire County Council said: “Despite uncertainty surrounding the current economic climate, regeneration in Rhyl remains a priority for the Council and our partners and work is continuing on a number of projects in delivery of the Town Centre Vision.

“Where work has resumed, the Council is ensuring social distancing rules are being adhered to and on projects under development, or not yet on site, impacts have been minimal and projects are continuing as planned.”

Rhyl Journal:

The main entrance to the former Queen's Market. Picture:Phil Micheu

The Queen’s Complex - which includes the former Savoy Hotel and Fusion nightclub - on Sussex Street remains the key project in the ‘Vision Document’, with the council set to begin formal consultation with the public on plans in July.

The spokesperson added: “The need to reconnect the town centre and beach is a strong principle in Town Centre Vision and work is underway looking at options for the Central Promenade to reconnect the High Street and beach, to improve the quality of the public realm as well as walking and cycling connectivity.”

Also set to begin are plans for the renovation of the adjacent Victorian Post Office building on Wellington Road, with work expected to begin later this year, as well as on a terrace of Victorian properties in Aquarium Street to converting them into affordable family homes.

Structural surveys have also been completed at the former Goldilocks Salon site, next to The George in Queen Street, and work will start later in the year to provide a retail unit on the ground floor and apartments on the upper storeys.

The spokepserson said: “In line with the vision to introduce more quality residential use into the town centre, work is continuing on plans for the former Next and Granite stores which will include quality apartments combined with refurbished retail units on the ground floor and planning applications will be submitted later this year.

“In addition, work continues to improve the quality of the housing offer in West Rhyl and Clwyd Alyn Housing will shortly be undertaking a pre-planning consultation about the proposed redevelopment of a terrace of properties on Edward Henry Street to provide high quality and affordable housing for families who want to live in Rhyl prior to a planning application being submitted later this year. “

As well as future plans, work continues on projects that were already underway, with the Town Hall short-stay car park on Water Street - which features electric car charging pat the former Post Office building - nearing completion and the renovation works on the former Costigan’s building on Elwy Street due to be finished in the autumn.

Work has also started on site on the £27million East Rhyl Coastal Defence Scheme which will protect 1,650 properties in East Rhyl. It is being funded through the Welsh Government, as well as part funding by the council.

The spokesperson said: “As well as continuing our commitment to major projects, the Council has been offering support to business in Rhyl and throughout Denbighshire. The Council has been administering Welsh Government funding to businesses and providing support and advice to traders through its Economic and Business Development team.”