Rhyl residents, businesses and community groups have united in record numbers to shape a new 10-year, £20 million regeneration strategy for the town.
Over recent months, the Our Rhyl/Ein Rhyl Board has worked with advisers Savills, Denbighshire Voluntary Services Council (DVSC), Denbighshire Youth Service, and local partners to ensure the plan reflects the priorities of local people.
Engagement has included workshops, surveys, pop-ups, social media, and direct conversations across the seaside resort.
The summer survey alone drew more than 550 responses, distributed both online and in person at the promenade, high street, Queen’s Market, library and the Women’s Centre.
Nearly four in five respondents lived or worked in Rhyl, with the remainder visiting the town. A further business workshop engaged 20 local employers, complementing strong youth and third-sector input.
Top concerns identified were the decline of the town centre and empty shops (93%), poverty and inequality (72%), and community safety and anti-social behaviour (68%). Residents said the biggest improvements would come from safer streets, better youth and leisure facilities, and cleaner, greener public spaces.
Craig Sparrow, Chair of the Our Rhyl Board, said: “People care deeply about Rhyl’s future, and their voices are shaping the journey ahead.
“This isn’t a top-down exercise, but a plan built from the ground up, using local knowledge, lived experience and ambition. Rhyl belongs to its people – their priorities will guide how we invest to build a stronger, safer, more vibrant town.”
The results reflect findings from a separate 2025 resident survey showing strong demand for high-street renewal and more activities for children. Together, they reinforce the four key issues identified in Rhyl’s placemaking plan, which has already captured over 2,500 local voices.
Youth engagement has been a major focus. Denbighshire Youth Service reached 300+ young people through 18 street-based sessions, five focus groups and a 10-episode podcast series with partners including Wicked Wales, Brighter Futures, Coleg Llandrillo Rhyl, and North Wales Police.
Their top priorities include creating a Dedicated Youth Zone, developing a shared digital platform to promote clubs, events and local support, expanding volunteering opportunities, and improving outdoor and recreational areas.
Meanwhile, DVSC gathered feedback from more than 40 voluntary and community organisations. The sector stressed the urgent need to tackle poverty, isolation and poor mental health, unlock opportunities for young people and build pride of place.
DVSC has called for long-term, flexible investment and a genuine role for communities in decision-making, ensuring regeneration is built with residents, not just for them.
The forthcoming Pride in Place Programme will do just that. Focused on thriving places, stronger communities and local control, it will guide Rhyl’s initial investment plan to be submitted later this year.
