New Board Appointed to Drive Rhyl’s £20 Million Regeneration Efforts
A newly appointed Board is set to spearhead the next phase of Rhyl’s ambitious £20 million regeneration initiative, which spans a decade. This development follows a year marked by extensive public engagement and planning, aimed at revitalising the seaside town.
The Our Rhyl / Ein Rhyl plan, developed in collaboration with the UK Government through the Pride in Place programme, has received conditional approval. This milestone enables the seaside resort to progress into the next stage of community engagement and input.
The refreshed Board comprises individuals with diverse expertise, including Justin Bell (Community/Tourism), Julie Pierce (Community/Third Sector), Leonie Wainwright (Community/Regeneration), Linzi Jones (Community/DVSC), Emma Watling (Community/Health), and Jonathan Pico (Community/Faith). Simon Keeting will serve as the Community Police representative.
This new Board aims to maintain momentum and expand opportunities for public involvement. In addition to the Board, themed Action Groups will be created, providing residents, businesses, and organisations with practical avenues to turn ideas into actionable projects.
Craig Sparrow, Chair of the Our Rhyl Board, remarked: “The response from the community over the past year has been incredible. We’ve heard from thousands of people in so many different ways, and that’s what gives this plan its strength.”
He added, “As we move forward, the refreshed Board brings new energy and fresh perspectives, but our focus stays the same – listening and working alongside the people of Rhyl. We want even more people to get involved and shape what comes next.”
Over the last year, engagement efforts have spanned the town, reaching areas such as the promenade, high street, Queen’s Market, library, and Women’s Centre through various methods including workshops, surveys, pop-up events, and direct conversations. A summer survey alone garnered over 550 responses, with nearly 80% of participants residing or working in Rhyl.
Business workshops ensured local employers had a voice, while outreach to youth and third-sector organisations was extensive. Online engagement has also surged, with the Our Rhyl/Ein Rhyl digital community now boasting over 2,000 followers. Content on TikTok has achieved more than 220,000 views, alongside 5,000 likes, over 400 comments, and nearly 1,000 shares, complemented by strong interactions on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook groups, and local media.
The town’s youth have been particularly active, with Denbighshire Youth Service engaging over 300 young people through 18 street-based sessions, five focus groups, and a 10-episode podcast series. Concurrently, Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council gathered insights from over 40 organisations, identifying key priorities such as combating poverty, reducing isolation, enhancing mental health, and creating more opportunities for young people.
These insights align with broader research, including a 2025 resident survey and Rhyl’s placemaking plan, which captured the voices of over 2,500 locals and emphasised priorities like high street renewal and increased activities for children and young people.
Craig concluded: “We’ve reached an important point, but this is really about what happens next. The level of engagement so far shows just how much people care about Rhyl’s future. With the new Board and Action Groups to follow, we’re opening things up even further. In alignment with UK Government, we want to build on this momentum and make sure local people are shaping the plan every step of the way.”
As the programme advances, the emphasis remains on ensuring that Rhyl’s regeneration is driven by its community, with further opportunities for involvement and impact on the horizon.
For more information, follow Our Rhyl / Ein Rhyl on social media or visit Our Rhyl – A New Future for Rhyl.
