AFTER years of uncertainty and frustration around the former Kwik Save warehouses, money has been secured to rejuvenate the site for employment use.

For years there has been concern about the condition of the buildings on the site on Warren Drive which have been empty since the supermarket chain left in 1998.

Over the last decade or so, the buildings have become progressively more troublesome, attracting seagulls and vandals, and becoming an increasing eyesore.

Dr James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, informed the Journal the owner of the former Kwik Save has secured a grant to carry out work.

Rhyl Journal: Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies at the former Kwik Save site in Warren Road, Prestatyn. Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies at the former Kwik Save site in Warren Road, Prestatyn. (Image: Dr James Davies)

Dr Davies said: “This site has been cause for concern for many years, and more so over the past decade, so the fact that improvements are finally set to be made is very positive news.

“Over recent years [and as former county councillor] I have held extensive communication with Denbighshire’s Planning and Economic Development Departments and current owners ‘James Industrial’. I have applied ongoing pressure on all parties for a resolution of what has been a very much unacceptable situation and it does now appear realistic that progress will be made.

“The owner has secured a grant and intends to repair, divide and re-clad the warehouses to form modern light industrial units. Contractors have already been on site and quotes have been received, while a number of potential tenants have been identified.

“It is expected that removal of the roof of the structures will commence this month (February 2023), before the start of the bird nesting season. This will take around four weeks, with further works continuing in the spring.

“I am aware of the impact the site has been having on local residents and understand the unwelcome prospect of yet another seagull nesting season for those living in the immediate vicinity," he added.

“I am also aware that there have previously been a number of failed attempts to address the state of the warehouses and that there are differing opinions about the best use of the site. However, I am confident that it does now appear that realistic that progress can be made and that the outcome will be a significant improvement.

“Unfortunately, the planning history of the site has involved several complicated twists and turns, alongside various apparent changes of ownership. These have thwarted well-intentioned attempts to progress enforcement action for the tidying of the area.

“It has been a frustrating process for everyone involved, but finally it seems things are heading in the right direction and I look forward to seeing progress on the site soon.”

In 2014, the Journal reported that the derelic warehouses were to be demolished. This followed an enforcement notice on the owners by Denbighshire County Council. 

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The site, which is 18,000 square metres and comprises huge buildings which were left vacant following the departure of Kwik Save foodstores, have caused “massive distress” to residents over the years in terms of their appearance, seagull infestation and anti-social behaviour.

In 2017, plans for a housing development on the site were given the go-ahead. Denbighshire County Council turned down the proposal for the site but an appeal was upheld by the Planning Inspectorate.

In 2016, Albert Gubay, Rhyl-born businessman and Kwik Save founder, died aged 87.

He died at his Cheshire home on January, Monday 5. The philanthropist opened his first shop in Prestatyn called Value Foods in May 1959 and rented its first retail shop in Rhyl.

He went on to found the Kwik Save chain in the 60s.

Its headquarters remained in Prestatyn for many years.

If you live near to the site, let us know your thoughts on what is planned for the former warehouses. Email suzanne.kendrick@newsquest.co.uk