A HOUSING association director has been appointed the new chair of a group tasked with developing a £20m regeneration strategy to create employment and improve infrastructure in Rhyl.
Craig Sparrow, executive director of Property and Development at ClwydAlyn, has been named the new independent chair of Rhyl Neighbourhood Board.
The group aims to develop a multi-million pound strategy that will enhance the seaside resort, create employment, improve infrastructure and remove barriers to opportunity, driving UK Government missions including economic growth and sustainability over the next decade and beyond.
Mr Sparrow takes over the reins from former chair Adam Roche - who was “thrilled” for Craig and proud to have “helped lay the foundations” for the Ein Rhyl/Our Rhyl campaign.
Mr Sparrow's "immediate priority" is to help design an initial three-year action plan and identify key priorities.
“I was really pleased to join the Board as this is going to be a very interesting and progressive time for the area, some big decisions will be made, and I feel as a group we are well placed to make them.
“But it is important people remember our role and that this is not a £20m handout being discussed by a talk-shop, as chair I will ensure there is a laser focus on our goals and objectives.
“It is a commitment over 10 years and will be carefully managed, as we look to leverage it against exciting commercial ventures via match funding, identify community benefits and long-term, sustainable projects.”
The father to two daughters, Honor and Ellen, said he is "particularly keen" to repurpose areas of the town centre.
“The Plan for Neighbourhoods will allow us to reframe the outlook for Rhyl" Mr Sparrow said.
"It will be a catalyst for change, improvement and development, and as a Board we are determined to make it work for the town at what is a challenging time economically – we have gone into this with our eyes open and are hugely positive.
“Pockets of Rhyl have so much potential as I’ve mentioned, and for me it’s about looking to the future, not recapturing the past, with accessibility and convenience so important.
“I would be particularly keen to repurpose areas of the town centre and do something different, seek best practice from high streets and vibrant urban areas and not just rely on retail but on high quality food and drink, entertainment and hospitality, because there is an appetite for more of these things locally."
In his day-to-day role with ClwydAlyn – the St Asaph-based housing provider and registered social landlord which employs around 800 staff and manages almost 7,000 homes in mid and North Wales, Mr Sparrow works closely with private and public sector bodies.
He joined the organisation as a 17 year-old on a YTS (Youth Training Scheme) and has been with them ever since, bar nine years as Development Manager with Wales and West Housing Association.
Returning to ClwydAlyn saw him focus on its, and his, mission to provide accessible, quality housing while addressing the causes and impacts of poverty.
“There is an alignment between my career and social values and the Board’s vision, which is ultimately about opportunity, equality, and inclusivity,” said Mr Sparrow.
Mr Sparrow and members of the Rhyl Neighbourhood Board are keen to here from residents in Rhyl.
He added: “We want to hear from the people of Rhyl and will be conducting surveys and focus groups to gauge interest, engagement and priorities – their voice will be critical as we move forward, as will that of businesses, educators and key stakeholders.”
Denbighshire County Council will be receiving £20million for Rhyl from the UK Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods programme. Rhyl Neighbourhood Board will develop a 10-year vison for the town and an initial investment plan to determine what priorities should be.
The Plan for Neighbourhoods is part of the Government’s mission to ensure "nowhere is left behind".
For more information on Ein Rhyl/Our Rhyl visit www.denbighshire.gov.uk/rhyl-neighbourhood-board
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