THE company which built the “Skyflyer” airship which Zip World has planned to bring to Rhyl has gone into voluntary liquidation, its owner has said.

Lindstrand Technologies Ltd, based in Oswestry, had been the subject of a winding up petition lodged by Zip World on October 12.

But the business’ owner, Per Lindstrand, confirmed to the Advertizer yesterday (November 14) that staff have now been let go amid the cost of legal action being taken against the company in Australia.

The opening of the Skyflyer airship, due to be based on Rhyl’s seafront, was cancelled for good last month, after a number of setbacks were experienced in getting the blimp up and running.

According to Companies House, Zip World still has outstanding charges owed to it by Lindstrand Technologies.

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Lindstrand Technologies was put into voluntary liquidation after being hit with a legal bill of almost £2million.

Located on Rhyl’s seafront, the Skyflyer aimed to take passengers 400ft in the air to enjoy panoramic views of the coast of North Wales and beyond.

The £2.5m project involved a 32-metre inflated balloon that took 6,750 cubic metres of high-grade helium to inflate.

Mr Lindstrand told the Advertizer: “Lindstrand Technologies were exposed to a lawsuit from Australia which we originally classified as trivial, but the Australians hired a top lawyer in London while I defended myself.

“To our great surprise, they won 100 per cent of their claim. We tried to appeal the case but the appeal was turned down.

“We were faced with a demand for £1.83m to be paid within 10 days or they would put our company in liquidation.

“Our only option was to go into voluntary liquidation in order to control things better, and that is where we are today.”

Lindstrand Technologies Ltd was due to face a High Court hearing in London on November 29 at 10.30am, after Zip World served the winding up petition on the company.

The Skyflyer had been initially due to open in July 2022, but it was delayed on numerous occasions before ultimately being discontinued last month.

Zip World had re-inflated the Skyflyer in late June, and was running tests on attraction until heavy winds brought it down in September.

Mr Lindstrand added: “There are two companies in this business – Lindstrand Technologies Ltd, that owns the land and building in our estate, and this is the company in liquidation.

“The other company is Lindstrand Group, which owns all the equipment and all the design rights and intellectual property.

“This company is not involved in the liquidation.”

Attempts have been made to contact Zip World for further comment.

Blake Morgan LLP, the firm which was due to represent Zip World at the High Court hearing, has also been contacted.