JOURNAL readers have shared their ideas for the future of the Rhyl building soon to be left vacant once the town’s Wilko store closes for good next week.

Yesterday (September 5), it was confirmed that the final day of business for the shop, on Market Street, will be Thursday, September 14, after Wilko fell into administration in August.

It is among 52 Wilko stores confirmed to be closing, with redundancies of 1,016 staff based at those sites.

Taking to the Journal’s Facebook page, residents have offered their thoughts on what should take its place.

Camille Hardy suggested: “A mini supermarket, like Tesco or Home Bargains,” while David Liptrot added: “Bargain Booze”.

Melissa Critchley said: “A decent clothes shop - H&M would be nice,” and Heidi Groves asked for a “Smyth’s toy store” at the building.

There were also numerous calls for a Primark store at the premises, while a dental practice, food court, nightclub, and Dunelm store were also mentioned.

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Rhyl’s Wilko store ‘very sadly’ confirms it will be closing next week

Following the news of the Wilko store in Rhyl’s closure, James Davies, the MP for Vale of Clywd, offered his sympathies to the members of staff set to be made redundant.

He said: “It is disappointing news that Wilko has gone into administration and my thoughts are with staff affected. 

“The closure is a loss to Rhyl town centre and I hope that the premises prove an attractive option for others looking to move to the town.”

Likewise, Gareth Davies, the MS for Vale of Clwyd, called Wilko’s closure a “huge blow”.

He added: “The closure of the Wilko store in Rhyl is a huge blow for the staff working at the store and, of course, for Rhyl town centre. My thoughts and best wishes go out to the staff affected by the closure.

“I have been in regular contact with the administrators to seek clarity on the future of the Rhyl site as it is a big store to fill.

Rhyl Journal: Outside Wilko, Rhyl Outside Wilko, Rhyl (Image: Newsquest)

“I will maintain dialogue with the company in the coming days, weeks, and months, if necessary, to look at possible options for the store, whether there are any future plans from other retailers, and how best to use its large floor space.

“This is a critical time to ensure the closure of the Rhyl store doesn’t impact on recent improvements of footfall and activity in the town, so that Rhyl can continue its progress as an exciting tourist destination and not be impacted by national branch closures, as it has been in the past.

“We’ve come a long way and we need the town to be resilient to matters which lie out of our hands.”

Cllrs Alan James and Joan Butterfield, who both represent the Rhyl West ward (in which the Wilko store is situated) on Denbighshire County Council, also shared their hopes for the future of the site.

“It is a disappointing and sad announcement that Wilko will be closing in Rhyl,” Cllr James said.

“Over the years, this business has been a good provider of a variety of goods and services, and it is disappointing for the town of Rhyl and customers.

“I have been a regular customer in Wilko for many years and have always found the staff very helpful, cheerful, knowledgeable and courteous in their dealing with the public.

“I wish them well for the future, and hope that they will be able to find alternative employment quickly.

“The premises to be vacated is a substantial space, and there will be opportunities in the near future to take advantage of this property to benefit the regeneration of our town.”

Cllr Butterfield added: “Wilko will be yet another large store lost to Rhyl’s struggling town centre. It will heighten the need to regenerate this area.

“Looking on the bright side, Wilko’s shop is, or looks like, it's well maintained, and would give an opportunity for another operator to re-open soon - perhaps Marks and Spencer, Sainsbury’s or Waitrose would be good.

“If this large empty shop is not returned to service very soon, it will add to the further deprivation of our town.”