The once-booming Welsh seaside resort of Rhyl is set to undergo a £20million transformation to restore it to its former glory.
Rhyl, which sits on Wales's rugged north coast, is in line for significant investment as part of the Government's £1.1billion-valued "levelling-up" fund for "left behind" towns.
From this fund, £12 million is being allocated to "improvement projects in the town centre and central promenade".
The ambitious makeover aims to revitalise a destination that was once known for its great beach, arcades and shops before suffering a series of business closures.
Rhyl, which sits on Wales's rugged north coast, is in line for significant investment as part of the Government's 'levelling-up' fund
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It had been dubbed "Britain's worst seaside town" by The Telegraph in 2023 and compared to "Blackpool after a neutron bomb" - but now, several key developments are underway as part of its revival plan.
The Queen's Market, a new food hall and events facility, is set to open this summer featuring 16 food and retail units, a double-sided bar, and flexible event space.
Meanwhile, the town's £15million SC2 water park is expected to reopen in "early summer" following storm damage which forced its closure for months.
Rhyl Pavilion Theatre has also received a £2.4million makeover, now boasting a new restaurant and bar with stunning coastal views.
The council has additionally invested in leisure facilities including a "Ninja assault course", which has already created 65 new jobs in the area.
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The town's £15million SC2 water park is expected to reopen in 'early summer' following storm damage
Rhyl has faced significant challenges in recent years that contributed to its negative reputation.
The town's SeaQuarium closed in 2023, while the SC2 waterpark suffered aforementioned storm damage that forced it into temporary closure.
A planned Skyflyer attraction - a balloon airship - failed to launch after several setbacks in another blow to local tourism efforts.
Despite these challenges, Rhyl Council has dismissed allegations that the town is in crisis, instead describing its future as "exciting".
A council spokesman noted that over the past decade, approximately £200million has been invested in the area for its "long-term" development.
This includes over £100million to upgrade sea defences, protecting Rhyl from coastal flooding.
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Rhyl is also experiencing a tourism resurgence, welcoming 1.8 million visitors in 2023
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Rhyl is also experiencing a tourism resurgence, welcoming 1.8 million visitors in 2023 - up from 1.7 million before the pandemic.
Local residents and visitors alike have shared positive feedback about the town's offerings on social media.
One tourist commented: "Rhyl has a lovely golden sandy beach that stretches all along the prom."
"Rhyl is a lovely place... with a lovely beach," another said.
While others wrote: "It's good for the family - and we recommend it to others."
Another praised it as a "lovely spot - arcades, sandy beaches, little funfair. Lots to do with the family - clean and tidy - easy parking. Welsh seaside fun."
