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Wales Online
20 hours ago
- Business
- Wales Online
Closure warnings during 30-week upgrade of Loggerheads Country Park to cope with visitor surge
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A 30-week scheme to revamp one of the busiest visitor sites in northeast Wales is to get underway this month. Main buildings at Loggerheads Country Park are being upgraded to cope with rising visitor numbers. The project will include refurbishing the visitor centre and café, with an enhanced seating area, as well as improving the toilets and carrying out external landscaping. Traditional porches will be installed over the shop entrance and a large sail canopy will be located near the park entrance to act as a meeting point for groups. Denbighshire Council said the project complements improvements also planned at nearby Moel Famau. A spokesperson said: 'The main aim of these improvements is to help manage the challenges linked to a growing number of visitors – currently exceeding 200,000 visitors per year – and meet their increasing expectations.' Initial works will focus on the toilet block, lasting around 10 weeks. A temporary toilet facility will be available on site during the closure. Improvements to the meeting room and café will then take place in the autumn, followed by the visitor centre and outdoor landscaping early in 2026. As these will also need to close temporarily, an 'exciting' pop-up catering facility will be established instead, showcasing produce from northeast Wales. The new canopies are a response to the site's "inadequate" covered outdoor spaces for socialising, eating and drinking. The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here's how to sign up (Image: TACP Architects) Solar panels will be installed to improve the site's sustainability. Flood mitigation works at the site were completed earlier this year. Like the building upgrades, the flood defences were funded by £1.4m of UK Government Levelling Up funds. Council Leader Cllr Jason McLellan said: 'We have seen an increase in visitor numbers at Loggerheads Country Park in recent years and projects such as these, once completed, will help future-proof the park and meet the ever-increasing expectations of visitors. 'These sites are much-loved National Landscape areas, and it is important that we continue to maintain and develop sites such as these as their popularity grows to ensure that they can continue to be enjoyed by all who visit.' ParkCity Multitrade Ltd, based in St Asaph, has been awarded the contract. Work will start in mid-August and is expected to continue until early March 2026. Listed buildings at Loggerheads will not be affected by the work. The site was the location of Pentre Mill, an early 19th-century corn mill powered by a waterwheel. The wheel ceased operation in the 1940s but was later restored in the 1990s. In the 1920s, Crosville Motor Bus Company acquired the land, establishing tea rooms and gardens for visitors who mainly arrived by bus. With a bandstand, boating lake and refreshment kiosk, Loggerheads thrived. After a post-war decline, the site was bought by the old Clwyd County Council for conversion into a country park. Sitting below the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Alyn Valley, where the river enters steep wooded gorges, Loggerheads is now a gateway site for visitors wanting to explore the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley. A long-stay car park offers 90 parking spaces. Denbighshire Council has stressed the upgrade is unrelated to the Welsh Government's bid to create a new national park in northeast Wales. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Find family activities near you
North Wales Live
20 hours ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Closure warnings during 30-week upgrade of Loggerheads Country Park to cope with visitor surge
A 30-week scheme to revamp one of the busiest visitor sites in northeast Wales is to get underway this month. Main buildings at Loggerheads Country Park are being upgraded to cope with rising visitor numbers. The project will include refurbishing the visitor centre and café, with an enhanced seating area, as well as improving the toilets and carrying out external landscaping. Traditional porches will be installed over the shop entrance and a large sail canopy will be located near the park entrance to act as a meeting point for groups. Denbighshire Council said the project complements improvements also planned at nearby Moel Famau. A spokesperson said: 'The main aim of these improvements is to help manage the challenges linked to a growing number of visitors – currently exceeding 200,000 visitors per year – and meet their increasing expectations.' Initial works will focus on the toilet block, lasting around 10 weeks. A temporary toilet facility will be available on site during the closure. Improvements to the meeting room and café will then take place in the autumn, followed by the visitor centre and outdoor landscaping early in 2026. As these will also need to close temporarily, an 'exciting' pop-up catering facility will be established instead, showcasing produce from northeast Wales. The new canopies are a response to the site's "inadequate" covered outdoor spaces for socialising, eating and drinking. Solar panels will be installed to improve the site's sustainability. Flood mitigation works at the site were completed earlier this year. Like the building upgrades, the flood defences were funded by £1.4m of UK Government Levelling Up funds. Council Leader Cllr Jason McLellan said: 'We have seen an increase in visitor numbers at Loggerheads Country Park in recent years and projects such as these, once completed, will help future-proof the park and meet the ever-increasing expectations of visitors. 'These sites are much-loved National Landscape areas, and it is important that we continue to maintain and develop sites such as these as their popularity grows to ensure that they can continue to be enjoyed by all who visit.' ParkCity Multitrade Ltd, based in St Asaph, has been awarded the contract. Work will start in mid-August and is expected to continue until early March 2026. Listed buildings at Loggerheads will not be affected by the work. The site was the location of Pentre Mill, an early 19th-century corn mill powered by a waterwheel. The wheel ceased operation in the 1940s but was later restored in the 1990s. In the 1920s, Crosville Motor Bus Company acquired the land, establishing tea rooms and gardens for visitors who mainly arrived by bus. With a bandstand, boating lake and refreshment kiosk, Loggerheads thrived. After a post-war decline, the site was bought by the old Clwyd County Council for conversion into a country park. Sitting below the dramatic limestone cliffs of the Alyn Valley, where the river enters steep wooded gorges, Loggerheads is now a gateway site for visitors wanting to explore the Clwydian Range and Dee Valley. A long-stay car park offers 90 parking spaces.
Rhyl Journal
31-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
New name of Rhyl cinema revealed as opening draws closer
As Merlin Cinemas breathes new life into the currently-closed former Vue cinema in Rhyl, they have confirmed that it will reopen under the new name of Strand Cinema, subject to completing lease arrangements with Denbighshire County Council. While work is already underway behind the scenes, the exact reopening date is still a work in progress, the company said. Plans are moving ahead, but the team is "holding off" on promising a specific opening date just yet. 'It's an exciting project, and we'd love to be open in time for the autumn slate of films,' added Geoff Greaves, managing director at Merlin Cinemas. "But it's important to us that we get this right and not rush things. "We should have a good idea of an expected opening date soon.' Strand Cinema Rhyl will operate alongside its sister cinema in Prestatyn, Scala Cinema, which is already part of the Merlin Cinemas group of independent cinemas. MORE: 6,000 free tickets snapped up for Rhyl Summertime Weekender Leader of Denbighshire County Council, Councillor Jason McLellan said, 'It's so exciting to see another business on the verge of opening on the prom in Rhyl. "Following the huge success of the opening of Queen's Market, this will be another attraction for residents and visitors alike and will be part of the catalyst for regeneration in our seaside town. "We're so pleased that Merlin Cinemas have stepped in and this further demonstrates confidence from the private sector in Rhyl's future. "When Strand Cinema opens, I urge residents to support it as well as other leisure facilities in the town – we need everyone to be backing our businesses to ensure their continued success.' Merlin Cinemas began its journey 35 years ago with a single screen in Penzance in Cornwall, and now operates over 20 cinemas across the UK. Known for saving and restoring historic and modern venues alike, Merlin is committed to keeping cinema-going affordable, accessible, and magical for local communities.
Rhyl Journal
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Rhyl Journal
Rhyl events and activities happening in Summer 2025
Locals and visitors alike are familiar with the beach, and promenade with its cafes and arcades, and much-loved destinations like the Rhyl Miniature Railway and Marine Lake. But in addition to these there is a host of events taking place in the town this July and August that are sure to bring the crowds. This along with new and established venues due to open their doors, summer is looking bright for the town and its residents. All this in addition to packed seasons of shows at Rhyl Pavilion - with such shows as Six!, Dance Fusion, and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory - and Rhyl's Little Theatre, with a line-up including Matilda the Musical. SC2 water park opens The water park that has been closed for 17 months is set to reopen its doors. The attraction is scheduled to reopen on Friday, July 5 with special discounts for residents from the area and a brand-new free play area. A new adventure play structure has been installed inside the Rainforest Diner, alongside a refreshed Rainforest-themed menu. Guests can also enjoy a selection of gelato ice creams from Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL)'s new partner, Red Boat. Rhyl Carnival and Parade Known as "Rhyl's oldest tradition", Rhyl Royalty will oversee the festivities at the Rhyl Coronation Gardens field on Sunday, July 6. There will be stalls, classic cars, rides, bouncy castles, a baby show, a dog show, and much more. There will also be entertainment provided by local singing and drama groups. The parade leaves the Blue Bridge car park at noon and makes its way to the gardens. Queen's Market opens The £12.6m new Queen's Market is opening on Thursday, July 10. There are currently 12 vendors signed up to operate from launch day, with the hot food stalls filled, and limited spaces left in the cold food/retail stalls. The individual vendors, who will work from the new facility, will play a crucial role in the launching of the venue when it opens. Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation, said: "The market will feature a wide range of high-quality options available for visitors, who will be able to sample these from opening day, July 10. "We are very excited to invite the public along on opening day so they can see what this great facility has to offer.' Rhyl RNLI Open Day Join the RNLI, between 11am and 4pm, for fun-filled day of activities whilst we deliver important water safety advice and raise vital funds for the RNLI. A chance for visitors to have a tour around the Lifeboat, speak to the police service who are bringing a service dog and motorcycle. Chat with the police underwater search team, gets tips from the police crime prevention team, have a look at a fire engine and ambulance, admire the classic car display, enjoy a cup of tea/coffee and cake, check out various stalls, face painter, mermaid, tombola, hook a duck, and guessing games. You can also see the model lifeboats, but beware! There may be pirates around. Rhyller Thriller presents: cinema double bill Free screening of The Blade Cuts Deeper and Virus Detected followed By Q&A. A free screening of a British-made Giallo - a genre made famous by directors such as Dario Argento and Mario Bava - will be shown on August 2 at Rhyl Little Theatre in a double bill with sci-fi horror Virus Detected. There will also be a Q&A with director Gene Dolders. The film starts at 6.30pm and admission is free. Summertime Weekender On August 2 and 3, the Events Arena venue will be full of performances and activities for all ages, for an event that has been organised by Rhyl Town Council and Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL). Tickets are now available, with gates opening at 1pm on both days. The festivities begin on Saturday, August 2, with acts including The Big Pop Party Show – featuring tributes to Taylor Swift, Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa and Meghan Trainor - Queen Rhapsody, performing Queen's hits; and classic rock anthems from tribute band Kaiser Monkey Killers. Sunday's line-up includes Midnight Soul Sisters, delivering soulful Motown classics; Elite Elton, performing the hits of Elton John; and Ska Britannia, known for their energetic performances and showmanship. Families can also enjoy a range of fun and free entertainment at the arena throughout the day, including face painting, balloon modelling, a caricaturist and more. RAF Town Show Organised by RAF Recruitment, this free event will be held at Rhyl Events Arena between 9am and 4.30pm on August 9 and 10. You do need to secure a ticket in advance of the event to be permitted entry. The RAF said it promises to be an 'unmissable weekend of adventure, excitement, and hands-on activities for all ages'. There will be opportunities to see what it's like to be a pilot by stepping inside aircraft, take on RAF-inspired physical and survival challenges, and enjoy live music from a RAF band. In addition, there will be the chance to explore career opportunities in science, technology, engineering, and maths with RAF experts, while RAF Recruitment professionals will hold career talks. Rhyl Miniature Railway Family Fun Days The popular railway's fun days take place between Wednesday, August 20, and Friday, August 22. There will be rides, stalls, and much more to enjoy. Outdoor Cinema Experience Rhyl Events Arena will host a free, weekend-long 'outdoor cinema experience' this summer. Organised by Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL) and Rhyl Town Council, this will take place during the bank holiday weekend of August 22-24. The films which will be shown during the weekend will be Mamma Mia, Moana 2, The Greatest Showman, Dirty Dancing, and Grease. The screenings are free, but places need to be booked via the Rhyl Pavilion Theatre Box Office on 01745 330000, open Monday to Friday from 10am to 4.30pm. Screening times are as follows: Rhyller Thriller 3 The two-day festival of all things horror will take place on August 30 and 31, this time at the new venue of Rhyl Little Theatre. Rhyller Thriller 3: When There's No More Room Left in Hell is organised by Rhyl business leaders Chad Jones and Tomos Rowlands. There will be screenings of feature films as well as Q&As with some of the filmmakers and actors. Guest confirmed so far are Cinzia Monreale, Lawrence R Harvey, and Dardano Sacchetti. Keep following the Rhyl Journal website and social media as more events are announced. And looking beyond the summer, there will be the North Wales Macabre Market in November. And then it'll
Rhyl Journal
25-06-2025
- Business
- Rhyl Journal
CONFIRMED: Full list of vendors at Rhyl's new Queen's Market
The £12.6m new Queen's Market is opening on Thursday, July 10. There are currently 12 vendors signed up to operate from launch day, with the hot food stalls filled, and limited spaces left in the cold food/retail stalls. The individual vendors, who will work from the new facility, will play a crucial role in the launching of the venue when it opens. From stone-baked Pizzas to Caribbean dishes, here is what will be on offer: Hot food vendors: Bad Burgers and Dirty Dogs will feature a range of handmade smash burgers and gourmet hotdogs with a variety of toppings on offer, along with fully loaded fries and a full range of soft drinks. Go Greek will offer a full range of traditional Greek food and will be creating Greek style gyros, souvlaki, halloumi fries and Greek desserts, including the magical orange cake. Kumo Ramen will feature authentic noodle bar servings which will include traditional broths and noodles. Kinn Kinn will offer a taste of Thailand, with a wide range of Thai Food available including the famous red and green curries and pad Thai. Little Italy Pizza Rhyl will offer hand-stretched, stone-baked pizzas, with multiple topping offers and flavours to choose from fresh, and made on the premises. Wrapped and Loaded will be offering artisan wraps, with high protein fillings. Street Pot will be cooking up Caribbean cuisine and will feature dishes such as jerk chicken, jerk curry, rice and peas, and fried plantain. Towards the West Parade entrance of the Market, visitors will be greeted by two window units which host: Spill The Beans who will serve up freshly ground coffee, a choice of artisan tea, and other luxury hot drink options as well as pastries and cakes favourites. Pudz Ice Cream rolls who will be dishing out ice cream rolls, freshly made waffles and crepes which can be topped with classic toppings such as fresh fruit, chocolate, cream and more, as well as their famous fresh milkshakes. As well as tasty hot food, the Queen's Market will offer cold food and drink options: Donat DWT, who will offer a full range of glazed and filled donuts. Spirit of Rhyl Gin Distillery, where visitors can make their very own flavoured gin The full-service bar, which will service both the events area and the market space, will be named 'The Spirit of Rhyl' and run by Spirit of Wales Distillery. Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of the Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation, said: 'We are pleased to be announcing the businesses who will be utilising the new Queen's Market. "The market will feature a wide range of high-quality options available for visitors, who will be able to sample these from opening day, July 10. "We are very excited to invite the public along on opening day so they can see what this great facility has to offer.' RELATED STORIES: Andrew Burnett, Director at Midlands Events (Rhyl) Limited, said: 'We are really pleased with what the new venue has to offer. We have an excellent range of retailers, and we are really excited with the entertainment programme we are putting together. "We can't wait to get open now, and we are really looking forward to welcoming all customers on the opening weekend. This facility will be a real asset to the town going forward and will increase the footfall of the town as a whole.' The Queen's Market project has received funding from the Welsh Government, largely through its Transforming Towns Programme. The project has received funding from UK Government's SPF funding. It has also received funding from UK Government through the Pride of Place & Natural Environment: Rhyl, Prestatyn & Denbigh Programme. The project is also funded by Denbighshire County Council.
