Rhyl town centre works will take 10 months and cost £1.85m

Refurbishment works at 64 High Street and 2–4 Wellington Road will start in November, and are due to be completed next September.

The budget for the works is £1,853,642 – which one resident called “astronomical” – a response to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request has stated.

Denbighshire County Council’s response to the FOI request read: “The budget for the works to properties at High Street and 2-4 Wellington Road is £1,853,642 including an allowance for contingencies.

“Works are anticipated to be on site from November 23, 2026, until September 24, 2027.

“The contractor’s compound is expected to be located on the site of the former Next store at 56 High Street.”

The resident who submitted the FOI request to the council, who asked not to be named, said he considers the £1.85m budget to be an “astronomical amount of money” to spend on this.

He also questioned whether there are adequate parking provisions on High Street and Wellington Road, and if there is a necessity for new commercial premises in the area currently.

“Presumably nobody that will be living in the new apartments will have cars, because where on earth will they park if they a vehicle?” the resident said.

“There is not exactly a huge demand for shops, either, given the number of store closures here.

“Why are the council spending £1.85m on this?”

The project will involve bringing vacant upper floors back into use as modern, energy-efficient affordable homes, while also renovating the ground floor retail units for future businesses.

As well as providing more affordable housing, the redevelopment will create commercial spaces for small businesses.

In response to the resident’s comments, a council spokesperson said: “The scheme will contribute towards the delivery of one of the key areas of focus in the Rhyl Placemaking Plan, which was adopted following extensive public consultation by creating modern spaces for people to set up and grow their businesses.

“The budget estimate for the cost of the works has been provided by quantity surveyors based on construction industry price data.

“It is not envisaged that surrounding roads will be closed to vehicular traffic during the works, but footway diversions will be necessary at certain times and the contractor appointed will publicize arrangements nearer the time.

“Once the development is complete, private off-street parking will be provided for residents on land to the rear of the former Barclays Bank.

“Further updates on this scheme will be provided once construction starts, which is anticipated to be towards the end of this year.”