A NEW image shows how the 'centrepiece' of Rhyl's Queen’s Market redevelopment will look.

Denbighshire County Council is working with private sector development partners, including Ion Development, to transform the site into a mix of retail, food and beverage, contemporary market, office and residential space. Accessibility from the waterfront and promenade into the town centre will also be improved.

A pre-application was launched along with a consultation which has now closed.

In a Design and Access Statement - into plans - an artist impression reveals what a new ‘courtyard neighbourhood’ might look like.

A description reads: “The idea from the outset was to recapture the qualities and successes of the original Queen’s Market which thrived in the early 20th century. The combination of the central position and community focus has lead to the inclusion of an events space which offers the opportunity for a versatile and adaptive space to be used by all.

"By providing a variety of programmatic uses to the West Parade, the new proposals will create a lively neighbourhood of restaurants, bars and cafés, combined with a public library, outdoor courtyards and residential units which overlook the waterfront. Taking precedents from the existing seafront housing, the proposed apartments will provide an exciting elevation which continues the typical seaside architecture of Rhyl.

"At the centrepiece of the development, the Queen’s Market will be reinvented for the 21st century with a food and market hall, combined with a multi-use function room. The proposals allow direct connections between the High Street and Queen Street, linking the transport routes with the pedestrian highways.

"The landscaped courtyards provide an ecological environment within the town centre, whilst ensuring a sheltered spot for the community and tourism to share simultaneously.

"To complete the scheme, the relocated central library will complement public meeting spaces and council offices, tying in neatly with the nearby town hall and civic buildings."

In September, Denbighshire County Council said it would be investing a further £1.5million into the development.

Plans, which include the former Savoy Hotel and Queen’s Market buildings, are part of the Council’s Rhyl Vision document which will create a modern, distinctive seaside town that meets the needs of its community and gives people from in and outside Rhyl a reason to visit.

Cllr Hugh Evans leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: “The additional Denbighshire capital funding will enable us to progress with the demolition, secure planning consent for the whole site and get to the position where we have a cleared site ready for the development of the first phase and future phases.

“The scheme has evolved offering a market-focused solution which addresses the economic requirements of the town and region. In a post-Covid world, the concept of a market which offers a low risk, low capital opportunity for entrepreneurs will be a huge benefit.

“It will offer fantastic new facilities for local residents and help attract new visitors into Rhyl.

"With a focus on local food, it also offers opportunities for businesses throughout Denbighshire and the wider region to benefit from the development.”

Ann Jones, MS for Vale of Clwyd, said: “This is a major development for Rhyl and can help shape the future of the town.  

“I have been looking at ways in which we can use the foundational economy to cement this project in the community.  This is a great opportunity to harness the creative industries and make use of the wealth of talents available to make this development a success.

“I’m pleased to see the Welsh Government‘s involvement, once again demonstrating their commitment to the regeneration of Rhyl.”

Dr James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, who is in support of the plans, is calling for Denbighshire County Council to maintain their ambition for the project, 'regardless of the current, temporary economic woes arising from the pandemic'.

He added: “While appreciating the challenges involved, I have for a number of years been keen to encourage the council to pursue a redevelopment of the Queen’s Market buildings – in part to continue the enhancement of the seafront, but particularly because I believe that the ailing town centre is in desperate need of a major regeneration scheme.

“A successful redevelopment of this site can not only attract and generate much additional footfall in itself, but also encourage more of those visiting the increasingly regenerated seafront to venture into the town centre. It is also undeniable that Rhyl, as a seaside resort, needs a greater range of modern tourist attractions.

“Many previous regeneration schemes in Rhyl have been ineffective as they have largely been cosmetic only, whereas this project has the potential to bring some much-needed economic and demographic change.”

A spokesperson for Denbighshire County Council said: “The pre-application process has now been completed and we would like to thank all those who gave their views on the plans.

"We will be submitting the planning application for the site in the coming weeks.”