Century of Change: History and rebirth of Rhyl’s Queen’s Market site

We take a look at its history - a story that stretches back decades.

Originally built as the ‘Queen’s Palace’ in 1902, the red-brick landmark was once filled with grand ballrooms and theatres. Just five years later, in 1907, a devastating fire tore through the building, destroying much of it. Only the theatre and ballrooms survived, and from the ashes a new name was born — the ‘Queen’s Theatre & Ballroom’. This became a beating heart in the centre of Rhyl with unique offerings such as roller-skating and orchestra performances by night.

The Queen’s Market in Sussex Street taken in 2020(Image: Newsquest)

The theatre and ballroom became a source of relief during the Second World War, with the venue hosting the Entertainments National Service Association (ENSA), which was a Government-backed troupe who helped boost morale during one of Britain’s most trying periods.

The venue welcomed a whole host of famous names through its famous entrance including comedy act Laurel and Hardy on their farewell tour, Marty Wilde & The Wildcats and Sir Cliff Richard & The Shadows.

A photograph taken of the inside of the old Queen's Palace.(Image: Karen Woodham, shared with the Journal in 2018)

During the 1960s and 70s, the venue’s role in the community began to change. With the theatre closing, the space was redeveloped into the well-known indoor market, bustling with stalls selling souvenirs for tourists. It quickly became a favourite spot for locals, providing a sheltered place to meet and socialise, whatever the weather.

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Even with High Street trends changing, the venue kept a strong sense of community, with the market’s location providing a strong link from the high-street to the promenade. The stalls stood strong, however over time, the building became unsafe, and unfit for purpose and an update and refresh was needed.

DCC put forward their vision for the Queen’s Market to be transformed into a food and market hall(Image: Queen’s market design and access statement)

In 2018, plans were put in motion for a new, updated image for the Queen’s Building.

Denbighshire County Council’s (DCC) cabinet first purchased the former Savoy Hotel on West Parade before later acquiring the Queen’s Buildings.

Many residents called for ‘Little Venice’ to be saved, believing that remnants of an Edwardian attraction still survived within the Queen’s Market complex. Local folklore suggested that a Venetian-style waterway once ran beneath the Queen’s Buildings, where gondolas, steered by Italian boatmen, glided under arches painted to resemble a starry night sky. However, historians – including Colin Jones –said ‘Little Venice’ had been widely misinterpreted and mythologised. Rather than being a hidden underground canal, it was in fact a small-scale exhibition housed in the basement of the former Queen’s Palace.

The only photo claimed to be of Little Venice, dated 1902. Run in a Journal article in 2021(Image: Stuart Jones)

When redevelopment work began, extensive demolition was required on safety grounds to clear the site for what is now the Queen’s Market. One key feature, however, was preserved - the Sussex Street entrance, which has been retained and incorporated into the new design.

The development cost more than £14million in total to complete, a Freedom of Information Request revealed. A large amount of money - £6million, went towards acquiring the building, clearance works, and asbestos removal.

Demolition work takes place at the Queen's Market in Rhyl(Image: Newsquest)

The newly built, new look space, which opened on July 10, includes independent food vendors, a double-sided bar, mezzanine space with games and entertainment and stage which regularly hosts evening entertainment.

Already, the venue is establishing itself as a vibrant community hub in the heart of Rhyl, welcoming both residents and visitors. Since opening, thousands have flocked to the West Parade food hall and market to eat, chat, sing, dance, and enjoy the lively atmosphere.

The Queen's Market opened in July 2025(Image: NQ)

Over 120 years have passed since the venue first opened as the ‘Queen’s Palace’ back in 1902, but the core values which made the famous buildings so notable still stand to this day, with community spirit palpable on both the concourse, and inside the Queen’s Market and events space.