Rhyl residents have been putting forward ideas for the town's future at a community discussion led by Clwyd North MP Gill German, as momentum builds behind plans to shape how £20 million of investment will be spent over the next decade.
Twenty-five people attended Ffordd Las Community Centre to follow up on their responses to the MP's survey where they discussed priorities for the Pride in Place programme and shared suggestions aimed at strengthening Rhyl for residents, businesses and visitors alike.
The event will feed into the Our Rhyl / Ein Rhyl Board's community engagement campaign, which is taking conversations directly into neighbourhoods, charity and third sector groups, businesses and events across the town this summer.
Among the ideas raised were celebrating Rhyl's rich entertainment history through heritage trails and events, creating more family-friendly activities on the beach including barbecues and seasonal fireworks displays, investing further in the town's library and museum, supporting schools to celebrate local history, helping small businesses grow, and ensuring the resort continues to evolve as a thriving coastal town with opportunities for local people as well as visitors.
The discussion followed a weekend of engagement at Rhyl Carnival, attended by hundreds of children, families, businesses, charities, community organisations and market traders.
As the Our Rhyl campaign continues, Board members hope to meet residents at community gatherings, including St Mary's Annual Parish Feast on August 16, Queen's Market's outdoor summer markets, beginning August 2, Rhyl Miniature Railway's Bank Holiday celebrations, and events organised by local schools, sports clubs and community groups.
Gill said:
“It was fantastic to welcome so many residents to the discussion and hear such a wide range of thoughtful, ambitious and positive ideas for Rhyl's future.
“People spoke passionately about protecting what makes Rhyl special while also looking ahead to new opportunities for families, young people, businesses and our community. Every conversation matters and I'll be feeding all of the ideas back to the Our Rhyl Board as this work continues.”
She added:
“This funding represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity, and I want to make sure as many voices as possible are heard over the coming weeks and months. I'll continue meeting with residents and encouraging everyone to get involved.”
The latest engagement builds on more than a year of consultation which has already generated thousands of survey responses, involved residents and businesses, and helped shape the emerging long-term vision for the town.
Alongside community events, themed Action Groups are also being established to give practical opportunities to help develop projects, identify priorities and support delivery of the programme over the next decade.
Craig Sparrow, Chair of the Our Rhyl Board, said:
“The response we've received has been incredibly encouraging. Whether it's through Gill's community discussion, Rhyl Carnival or conversations at local events, people are telling us they care deeply about the future of their town and want to play a part in shaping it.
“If your organisation is holding an event, if your community group would like us to visit, or if you simply have an idea you'd like to share, please get in touch. This is a genuine opportunity for local people to help shape how £20 million of investment benefits Rhyl over the next 10 years.”
