Agenda item

To consider a report by the Rhyl Going Forward Programme Manager (copy enclosed) which outlines the progress in implementing the Workstream, its financial implications, and the progress or prospects in terms of benefits realisation.

                                                                                                       11.10 a.m.

A copy of a report by the Rhyl Going Forward Programme Manager, which provided an update on the Retail and the Town Centre Workstream of the Rhyl Going Forward Regeneration Strategy, had been circulated with the papers for the meeting.

            The report outlined progress in terms implementing the Retail and the Town Centre Workstream of the Strategy, its financial implications, and the progress or prospects in terms of benefits realisation.  Progress of the workstream had been monitored by the RGF Neighbourhoods and Places Programme Board.  Particular reference was made to the following key projects and their significance:

Ø      Bus Station refurbishment.

Ø      Appointment of a Town Centre Manager.                            

Ø      Bee and Station Office development.

Ø      Costigans.

Ø      Rhyl Market.

Ø      Other projects and activities.

It was explained that the town centre workstream had been the one of the least well defined in terms of direction of travel and overall strategy.  The need to develop a clear vision for the town centre was stressed and a possible approach to the strategy for Rhyl Town Centre was outlined in the report.  Reference was made to the fact that this workstream would support the delivery of the proposed new Corporate Priority of Developing the Local Economy and Our Communities, as the main aim of the workstream was to increase footfall in the town centre and create more business opportunities and jobs in the tourism sector. 

Members were informed that a number of service areas were involved in the plans, varying by the nature of the project.  Key service areas which had a regular input and engagement in the regeneration plans included Leisure Services, Public Realm, Property Services and Planning.  It was emphasised that to have a successful town centre a number of issues and risks would need to be recognised and addressed, and these had been outlined in the report.

Members stressed the need to enhance the current employment market in the area and ensure that the development of the projects included employment prospects for local residents within the community.  The RGFPM referred to the proposed development of the Honey Club site which was anticipated to provide between 30 and 40 jobs in the area.  He informed the Committee that Denbighshire had been working with the developer, and would also continue to work with their partner organisation Rhyl City Strategy who provided training to develop the skills required to meet the employment requirements of investors.  Reference was made to the new retail development in Prestatyn and the establishment of a retail skills academy in conjunction with Job Centre Plus.  Prospective local employees there would be trained to acquire the essential skills and qualifications in readiness for possible future employment.  Members agreed with the view expressed that the impact of the redevelopment of Rhyl and Prestatyn should fit and complement the regeneration plan for the rest of the County.

Reference was made to the possible detrimental effect on Rhyl of the relocation of the Marks and Spencer store to Prestatyn.  Members agreed that it would be imperative to encourage key retailers to invest in Rhyl to enable the town to become a prime retail location and a major attraction for visitors from outside the area.  It was also emphasised that any such development or investment would need to be sustainable to ensure long-term accomplishment of the aims for the area.

In response to a question, officers agreed that concerns raised regarding the negative impression created by Rhyl Railway Station being unmanned at various times, particularly during the evenings, could be conveyed to Network Rail. 

Whilst the offer of reduced business rates to attract inward investment or encourage new business enterprises had merits, there was a general consensus of opinion that any offer of concessions or reduced business rates to encourage investment should be exercised throughout the County and not concentrated in one particular area.  The RGFPM confirmed that there were development opportunities in respect of the Queen’s Market site.  However, although Denbighshire was a facilitator, the site was in private ownership and in the current stagnant economic climate potential developers were nervous of investing.  The Committee:   

RESOLVED – subject to the above observations to note the progress achieved to date.