AN MP is seeking funding support to help with the redevelopment of Rhyl’s Queen’s Market.

In September, the Journal reported that ambitious plans to transform Rhyl’s Queen’s Market as part of a town centre regeneration have spiralled by more than half of the original £7.4m bill.

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.

The site is mostly derelict, but the cost of phase one of the redevelopment has risen, with Denbighshire councillors voting to throw another £1.5m of tax payers’ cash at the project.

Speaking in the House of Commons, Dr James Davies, Vale of Clwyd MP, called on Robert Jenrick MP, secretary of state for Communities and Local Government, to commit to exploring funding opportunities to help project.

Rhyl Journal:

At the centrepiece of the development, the Queen’s Market will be reinvented for the 21st century with a food and market hall. Picture: Queen’s market design and access statement

During an urgent question on Towns Fund, he said: "The Towns Fund is, of course, an England-only fund, but the Government’s levelling-up agenda means supporting towns right across the UK, including Rhyl in my constituency.

“Will my right hon. Friend commit to exploring opportunities for the shared prosperity fund and other sources of financial assistance to help redevelop Rhyl’s Queen’s Market?”

In his response, the minister said that as the Government designs the UK’s Shared Prosperity Fund and brings it to fruition in the early part of next year, he will 'certainly be listening to the calls of James and his colleagues in Wales.'

The plans, which include the former Savoy Hotel and Queen’s Market buildings, are part of the council’s Rhyl Vision document.

Dr Davies added: "The redevelopment of Rhyl’s Queen’s Market has generated excitement in the town, with locals recognising the huge potential it has to give Rhyl town centre the boost it desperately needs.

“However, It is an extremely ambitious scheme and final costs will be substantial.

"I am extremely pleased that the minister has agreed to consider assisting us with this.”