Market Hall And Food Court To Be First Phase Of Development

Denbighshire County Council is continuing work on the Queen’s Buildings ahead of its renovation.

The Council is working with private sector development partners to transform the site into a vibrant mix of retail, food and beverage, contemporary market, office and residential space while improving accessibility from the waterfront and promenade into the town centre.

Plans also include an open courtyard and public space in the £30million plus development, which includes the former Savoy Hotel and Queen’s Market buildings.

Due to the extremely poor state of the site, a significant number of the buildings in the Council’s ownership will need to be demolished.

Damage has been caused by a lack of maintenance over a number of years, combined with the age of the buildings and damage from weathering and water ingress, leaving the buildings in a very poor structural condition, with many areas unsafe to access.

The Sussex Street entrance block within the town’s conservation area will remain.

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, leader of Denbighshire County Council and Lead Member for the Economy said: “It is with regret we have come to this conclusion, the Council wanted to retain as much of the buildings as possible, especially the walls of the Queen’s Market and the ornate ceiling, but as we have been working on the buildings since taking ownership, it has become clear they are beyond repair.

“We envisage the construction being split into phases, the first of which involve demolition and development of the market and food hall section. Of course before any work can start on site we need to secure the relevant consents and resolve some of the financial issues with our partners, including Welsh Government.

“The regeneration of Rhyl is a long-term project which will help benefit the economy throughout Denbighshire and the Queen’s Buildings form a vital part of that plan.”

The Pre-Application Consultation process will begin in August with members of the public and businesses able to comment on proposals for the site. The demolition consent process will also be commencing in the very near future.