PLANS have been unveiled for the multi-million-pound revamp of a once-popular resort and spa in Denbighshire.
Dyserth Falls, which boasts panoramic views of the Vale of Clwyd, had ceased welcoming guests in April 2019 after the business went into liquidation.
The resort, formerly known as Graig Parc, was purchased by Lyons Holiday Parks for an undisclosed amount nine months later.
Work commenced on the large-scale project last March, as previously reported in the Journal, which included a “complete overhaul” of the existing 78 chalets, 12 hotel rooms, and multi-facility complex.
The Lyons group’s construction team spent the summer of 2021 ripping apart the chalets “from the ground up” in order to begin with the renovation works in the new year.
Gavin Taylor, project manager, said: “The progress we’ve made over the past few months can mainly be seen inside the chalets.
“Each unit has now been gutted and made safe, and as this is a huge project for the area, we’re committed to using local contractors and companies as often as we can.
“Welfare facilities for the team have been put in place, and we’ve installed security systems which includes CCTV with the support of North Wales Fire & Security.
“Most units have had decking fitted, and Deckings Direct, who are based in Rhyl, have helped us to achieve our desired look.
“The metal has been shipped to Delyn Metals, who will recycle as much as possible, and we’ve also nurtured a strong relationship with local suppliers Thorncliffe who are responsible for the recycling of most of the debris from the demolition work and are also supplying the building materials.”
The resort itself, which is overlooked by the SSSI (site of special scientific interest) of Graig Fawr, will eventually boast 93 apartments which can be booked out by holidaymakers and tourists, as well as 12 hotel rooms located both within the complex and to the rear of some of the chalets.
The tourism giants are also keen to ensure the revamp is as environmentally friendly as possible by increasing the insulation on all chalets to reduce heat loss and create plenty of green spaces to encourage natural wildlife.
Mr Taylor added: “We’re looking into installing a biomass boiler to replace the existing gas systems and are looking to use solar panels and ground-sourced heart pumps to heat and power the log cabins.
“We’re looking forward to getting stuck into the reconstruction work now, which will include a variety of two- and three-bedroom apartments with en-suites, kitchen facilities, Wi-Fi, smart TVs, living areas, bathrooms, and even luxury cabins with hot tubs.”
Mr Taylor said that, now that the chalets have been re-wired and the plumbing has been replaced, it’s “time to start putting them back together” with the aid of the Lyons group’s talented interior design team.
The interior design team are responsible for the creative genius on show at the newly refurbished Signature Living hotel rooms at Lyons Nant Hall in Prestatyn.
Geoff Lyons Mound, company director, added: “The new function room and hotel suites at the Nant were all about contemporary designs and clean, seamless furnishings, and we think this look will go well with the brand-new design concepts at Dyserth Falls.
“We’re glad to have kept the structural integrity of the chalets, which are rustic and authentic in themselves.
“But similarly to the Nant Hall, we’re keen to adopt an old-meets-new style which demonstrates our desire to try new things, while keeping the area, and its accommodation, in with the times.”
Joseph Lyons Mound, company director, said: “Now the plans have been drawn up, we’re getting really excited about what the end product will look like.
“Our aim is to continue providing affordable family holidays for people across the entire country, and we believe this type of chalet-style accommodation is something the area is thoroughly lacking.
“We’re always thinking: ‘What do we want to achieve and what will benefit the North Wales economy best?’”
The company directors, who were acknowledged for their outstanding contribution to tourism at the Go North Wales Awards in November, added: “There isn’t a time scale as such - we want to make this perfect, because it really has some amazing potential.
“But we’re well on the way to reviving Dyserth Falls back to its former glory.”
Details of the complex are yet to be confirmed, but the company promises to deliver a lifestyle and health package to suit the needs of tourists and locals alike, as well as a space for functions, events, and corporate use.
The revamp also coincides with the Lyons groups’ most recent employment initiatives, which includes working alongside the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) under the Kickstart scheme.
The government-led programme is aimed at those younger than the age of 24 who are seeking employment, in a bid to reduce the number of young people on Universal Credit, while providing on-the-job training and growth within certain sectors.
Mr Taylor, who manages the cohort of Kickstart recruits, said: “It’s been great and inspiring to work alongside these individuals and watch them grow into skilled young adults.
"We first launched with the scheme back in March 2021 and have welcomed over 30 keen youngsters into the company across all departments from grounds and gardens, to hospitality, to maintenance.
“I’m thrilled to share that we have now onboarded seven of the Kickstarters into full-time, permanent employment, where they’ll receive further training, guidance and reviews as per company standard.”
Dyserth councillor David Williams said: “I am really pleased to learn that the Lyons Mound family are going to be employing local young people to work on developing and rejuvenating Dyserth Falls resort as part of the government’s Kickstart scheme.
“I have no doubt that some promising young talent will emerge from this venture and that there could be prospects for longer term employment at the resort for those youngsters who show promise and may wish to further develop their skills within this family-run company.”
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