WQ94475 (e) Tabled on 10/10/2024

Has the Welsh Government provided guidance to Denbighshire County Council regarding its plans to develop the land formerly occupied by Rhyl’s SeaQuarium?

Answered by Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government | Answered on 23/10/2024

The redevelopment of the former SeaQuarium seafront site on Rhyl’s East Parade is being undertaken by Denbighshire County Council, and the Welsh Government has not provided specific guidance to the local authority as regards the site.

Welsh Government is providing grant support via the Coastal Risk Management Programme for defence works on Rhyl promenade, and it has been agreed that the cost of demolishing the SeaQuarium can be set against this grant in order to make the location safe and usable for future development.

Building on the council’s development of a “Town Centre Vision” for Rhyl in 2020, we are supporting the local authority in the establishment of a Placemaking Plan for the town, based around community aspirations and involving stakeholders.  

Enabling better connectivity between the sea front and the town centre has been prioritised through place planning exercises over recent years, and given its location, the redevelopment of this site has the potential to significantly improve those linkages.