BUILDINGS steeped in history which hold memories for many will be demolished as ambitious plans get underway to transform the Queen’s Market site in Rhyl.

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

Denbighshire County Council has teamed up with private sector development partners to transform the Queen’s Buildings 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.

An open courtyard and public space is also included 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, the council has confirmed that a number of significant buildings in the council’s ownership will be demolished.

Expressing regret at the decision, Cllr Hugh Evans, leader of Denbighshire County Council and lead member for the economy said: “It is with regret we have come to this conclusion.

Rhyl Journal:

The council has confirmed that a number of significant buildings in the council’s ownership will be demolished

"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.”

The buildings are said to be in very poor structural condition, with many areas unsafe to access.

Rhyl Journal:

The current state of the former Savoy Hotel

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.

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

Rhyl Journal:

The site is in poor condition

Cllr Evans added: “We envisage the construction being split into phases, the first of which involves 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 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.