RHYL & District RFC is in the process of applying for funding from the Government to improve the club for community use, to meet the demand for facilities.

The club is applying for a Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF) grant, with demand for the use of its facilities outstripping supply since the move to its current Tynewydd Road base in 2019.

They are looking to expand the premises with an additional function room and an indoor training barn.

Club chairman Tony Evans said: “When we moved to the Rhyl site in 2019 the new premises were developed entirely by the club, with £700,000 of our own money.

“Since that time the club has grown hugely, along with the demand for the use of the building by local groups and organisations.

READ MORE:

Rhyl woman ‘can’t wait’ to open her first beauty salon in Kinmel Bay

Iceland confirms closing date for store in Rhyl shopping centre

“We are used by a great many community groups on a weekly basis, from dance groups to widows and widowers. We also do a great deal for the disabled, including hosting a disco for adults with learning disabilities from across the county every Monday evening.

“There is a real demand for the use of the building, but sadly we are currently unable to meet it and are having to turn people away.

“There is a real lack of comparable facilities in the area and a second function room would enable us to meet the demand.”

The additional community space and an indoor training facility would be available for schools and community use seven days a week, and Tony added that an independent feasibility study had been carried out, which would “hopefully” go before planning in mid-March.

“An independent feasibility study has been carried out and it will hopefully go before planning in mid-March.”

The club is being supported by Vale of Clwyd MP Dr James Davies and Tynewydd ward County Councillor Brian Jones.

Mr Davies met with club officials to discuss the proposal, and to offer his guidance and support.

Councillor Jones said: ““Rhyl Rugby Club is a not-for-profit club. What they have achieved to date has been phenomenal, and all with their own money.

“Securing funding for this project would be fantastic, but the day that the ribbon is cut is when the real benefits to the local community will start.”

The UK Shared Prosperity Fund is one of the Government’s ‘levelling up’ schemes, and at the start of this month Denbighshire County Council opened the application process for a tranche of the £25.6million the county is set to receive.