Rhyl, the Welsh seaside town once branded the UK's worst by The Telegraph, is set for a £20 million transformation as part of the government's levelling up fund. The town, which scored a dismal 5/100 in the newspaper's ranking, has suffered from declining tourism since the 1970s, with the closure of its Victorian pier and pavilion, the loss of its funfair, and the recent permanent shutdown of the SeaQuarium, which attracted 80,000 visitors annually.
The £20 million investment includes £12 million for improvement projects in the town centre and central promenade. A new food hall, Queen's Market, featuring 16 food and retail units and an events space, is due to open this summer. Additionally, the SC2 Waterpark, closed due to storm damage, may reopen in early summer, and the Rhyl Pavilion Theatre has undergone a £2.4 million refurbishment.
A council spokesperson noted that over the past decade, £200 million has been invested in the area, including over £100 million for sea defences. Future phases could include a hotel, residential, retail, and leisure developments. The council has also invested in a new indoor water park and Ninja assault course, creating 65 jobs.
Councillor Jason McLellan expressed optimism, stating: 'Rhyl is definitely still a tourist destination. With all the work that is going on across town and private-sector investment, Rhyl has the potential to be a real top tourist destination.'
