Breathing new life into Rhyl town centre in spruce up challenge

A brand new initiative aimed at sprucing up some town centre buildings in Rhyl is being launched by the Council, as part of on-going efforts to breathe new life into the town.

Over recent years, some buildings have fallen into a poor state and are in need of renovating.  The retail area in particular has seen significant changes over the years, but the potential exists to enhance town centre buildings to encourage more people to shop and do business there.

Following consultation led by the Council, businesses and the general public have identified the poor state of some town centre buildings as a key issue in attracting investment, tourists and shoppers.

As a result,  the Council wishes to address this concern and this initiative will involve working with owners/occupiers of town centre properties; those which show evidence of unauthorised development, those which fail to meet advertisement controls and those properties which have fallen into disrepair through neglect, or which have simply been allowed to become untidy.

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, said: “The feedback from local businesses and residents has been extremely useful, as it has reinforced the Council’s view that work needs to be done to spruce up the town centre.

“There are clear long term benefits for property owners and businesses to be gained by investing to improve their properties and bring them to an acceptable standard.   By working together, we can really make a difference to the visual impact of the town centre and encourage more people to make Rhyl town centre their locati0on of choice for shopping, entertainment and to do business.

“We believe this is a unique project and there are no similarly focused projects with dedicated staff on-going within North Wales. It is hoped that our partnership approach will be met with understanding and an acceptance by property owners to make a contribution, when required, towards improving the town centre for the good of all.”

Prakash Lad, a senior building surveyor for Yorkshire Building Society, acknowledges the importance of properly maintaining their buildings. The Society has recently undertaken an extensive refurbishment of their building in High Street, which is to be applauded.

Prakash said: “We manage a programme of planned projects to keep our national retail branch network up to standard and aim to review and carry out external repairs every five to seven years. Anything the Council can do to encourage other owners of town centre buildings to properly maintain their premises should be welcome.”

Nadeem Ahmad from Jean Emporium and Chrome clothing stores in the town centre said: "A well presented and welcoming town centre is integral to the regeneration of Rhyl. It is essential that improvements are made where necessary and standards are kept to a level that will complement the ongoing projects on the promenade.

“Whilst economic conditions are tough, it is important that businesses and the Council work together to make a difference and create an environment where people are happy to visit."

As the initiative progresses dedicated Officers of the Council’s Planning and Public Protection Service will be assessing town centre properties and seeking to work with property owners and in doing so taking an open, helpful, proportionate and consistent approach. The intention being to provide guidance on what action is required and what steps are necessary to remedy the situation. When necessary formal planning enforcement powers will be used.

The first ‘Junior TAG’ structure in the UK is coming to Rhyl next Spring

SC2, the new waterpark and adventure zone coming to North Wales next year, is excited to announce that that alongside their much anticipated TAG Active arena, there will be a Junior TAG structure which is the first of its kind in the UK.

Junior TAG is a multi-zone obstacle course similar to that of the main TAG structure, however this is for 5 to 8 year olds only and will challenge younger players to test their own strategy, speed, agility and bravery, whilst promoting fun, fitness and competition.

The two structures form the full TAG Active arena currently being built at SC2, the new £15m waterpark and adventure centre on the promenade in Rhyl, opening on April 5th next year.

On both the Junior and Main structure, players will wear electronic wrist bands when they take on the high energy course with over 40 targets to hit on eight levels, a cross between Ninja Warrior and Total Wipeout.

The aim of Junior TAG and TAG Active is to hit a matrix of computer controlled targets across multilevel zones and compete on time and targets with friends and colleagues, or to beat your own scores, giving both adults and children a unique experience on the North Wales coast.

Leader of Denbighshire, Councillor Hugh Evans OBE, said: “We are delighted that there is so much excitement and anticipation ahead of the opening of SC2 and we are very excited to be bringing the first Junior TAG in the UK to Rhyl. It will be a first class attraction for the whole of the North Wales coast.”

Rhyl Mayor Councillor Win Mullen-James said: “There’s an exciting buzz surrounding TAG Active, as well as the whole development of SC2. This is something that this area has never seen before and we’re thrilled that it is coming to Rhyl.”

Jim Jones, MD North Wales Tourism, said: “SC2 is without a shadow of doubt a game changer for Rhyl, it is another huge boost for our tourism economy and yet again demonstrates the confidence in North Wales as a destination to invest in. The Junior TAG which is the first in the U.K. is exactly the target market we want to cater for. Tourism is worth over £3 billion to our Economy of North Wales and with attractions being developed like this, we are set to see that increase further for both Denbighshire and North Wales.”

For more information please visit www.sc2rhyl.co.uk or visit our social media pages. Full ticket prices go on sale early January 2019.