THE company which tried to bring a large airship to Rhyl has been commended for its efforts, despite the plans being cancelled last week.
Zip World, which had hoped to launch the “Skyflyer” along the town’s seafront, confirmed the news on Friday (October 6), saying it is “hugely disappointed” to have to stop its development.
It followed a number of setbacks experienced, with the Skyflyer having initially been planned to open in the summer of 2022.
In August, residents then spotted a tear in the Skyflyer following the sound of a “loud bang”, before strong winds last month caused the aerostat to come down.
READ MORE:
Zip World’s Skyflyer will NOT be returning to Rhyl after latest setback
Zip World said in a statement on Friday that it is “in the preliminary stages with Denbighshire Leisure of exploring other alternative options for the Rhyl site”.
James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, said: “This is an important site for Rhyl, on the seafront and next to the 1891 restaurant.
“I am in touch with Denbighshire Leisure Ltd and hope to meet Zip World shortly, when I hope to find out more about their plans.”
When contacted by the Journal, Denbighshire Leisure Ltd decline to comment further.
Gareth Davies, MS for Vale of Clwyd, added: “Initially I was very excited about the Skyflyer in Rhyl as I believed that its unique style would attract visitors to area to enjoy the amazing views of the North Wales Coast, mountains and countryside.
“Unfortunately, that hasn’t come to fruition, through numerous technical issues, which is regrettable.
“But what it also does is provide leisure leaders with an opportunity to review the project and to see what alternative attractions can be sought in the future so that it achieves the shared ambition to increase footfall and tourism around the Rhyl area with a unique and attractive feature for all the family to enjoy.
“I’d like to wish both Zip World and Denbighshire Leisure the very best in their future work in the town, and thank them for their continued commitment to finding attractive leisure facilities for Rhyl to enjoy.”
Located on Rhyl’s seafront, Skyflyer aimed to take passengers 400ft in the air to enjoy panoramic views of the coast of North Wales and beyond.
The £2.5million project involved a 32-metre inflated balloon that took 6,750 cubic metres of high-grade helium to inflate.
Meanwhile, Journal readers took to Facebook to share their reaction to the news of the plans being cancelled.
Zoe Baron said she “hated looking at that thing every time I stepped out the door,” while Martyn Hogg suggested “something like a wakeboard cable park” for the site’s future use.
Antony Parry added: “I welcome any worthwhile attraction that brings people into Rhyl. However, this one seemed poorly planned and sited in the wrong area.
“At least diners at 1891 get their view back, as do the residents of the prom.
Phil Roose said: “Can we please go back to the original idea for a lagoon, where children can learn to paddle board and wind surf in safety?
“It would be a far sight better to look at from 1891.”
Anton Sampson wrote: “At least they (Zip World) dared and tried to do something completely different. People laughed at the Wright Brothers at the beginning.
“I think a huge zip wire from the Sky Tower to the harbour would be feasible and popular.”
Rex Wade added: “I can’t blame them, but I applaud their efforts in attempting with their innovation. Well done.
“95 per cent of product innovations fail. If we didn’t try, then we’d still be back in the dark ages. Don’t be disheartened; I look forward to your next endeavours.”
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