Former Rhyl hotel site set to host baby and parenting groups

Located by the town’s railway station on Bodfor Street, The Bee and Station Hotel was based in a Grade II listed 19th century building.

It has since been converted into office space, but on Monday (August 17), a change of use application for the property’s ground floor was approved by Denbighshire County Council.

The application was submitted by council employees Vona Law (applicant) and Michael Colborne (agent).

Flying Start, the council’s Welsh Government-funded growth and development programme for children aged up to four and their parents/carers, will run the facility.

External alterations include the siting of a storage container, a pram/buggy store and a secure safe play area, while the first and second floors of the property will not be affected and will remain as offices.

Extracts from the planning application read: “The proposed use of the building will be predominantly office use to the first and second floors, with ‘Flying Start’ taking on the ground floor, offering drop-in services such as baby and toddler groups.

“These will primarily be aimed at the local population.

“The property will be managed and delivered by Denbighshire County Council and the health board.

“In terms of the external areas, the existing site consists of areas of block paving and small areas of planting – the proposals will look to remove some sections of planting to form a new ‘soft play’ area and extend a section of block paving.”

The Office units on the ground floor have been vacant since the Covid-19 pandemic began.

Two parking bays will be lost as a result of the refurbishment.