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Rhyl Journal

Rhyl's ill-fated SkyFlyer site is being cleared at last

Zip World pulled the plug on its Skyflyer attraction in October 2023. Following a number of set backs, the giant blimp-like airship never took off. Setbacks included engineering issues, a tear in its design, and the full force of heavy winds. Now photos have emerged showing the site being cleared, much to the relief of residents. Buildings connected to the Skyflyer remain on site, including the 'check-in' building (Image: Rhyl events and activities) Temporary buildings had been put up on the site, including a 'meet and greet' / 'check-in' facility. Rhyl events and activities, who shared the photos on Facebook with the caption 'Looks like the old "unforgettable" #zipworldrhyl site is getting cleared at last', told the Journal: "It is great to see it being cleared and it would be fabulous to see some other activity put in its place such as an ice rink, high wire climbing facilities, surf pool or a roller skating rink. "We could even have a kart track or a 'flip out' centre like Chester. "There's a whole list of amenities we could do with to enhance the town." Work to clear the site has started (Image: Rhyl events and activities) At the time the attraction was pulled, Zip World said: 'Following a fault with Skyflyer last month, which caused the aerostat to deflate, we have now safely removed the aerostat from the site in Rhyl. RELATED STORIES TIMELINE: How Rhyl's Skyflyer dream came crashing down SkyFlyer to be built at former Sun Centre site in Rhyl recommended for take off Zip World founder behind new attraction for Rhyl that will take fearless riders 400ft up in the air "Our primary aim has always been to work alongside the manufacturer to get Skyflyer operational, and we're hugely disappointed the latest incident has resulted in us coming to the conclusion that this is not possible. The re-inflated Skyflyer in March 2023 (Image: Ray Worsnop) 'Sadly, we've taken the decision to stop any, and all, further development of the Skyflyer experience. 'We understand that many in the local community will be disappointed with this updated, and we share their frustration. 'At present, we are in the preliminary stages with Denbighshire Leisure of exploring other alternative options for the Rhyl site." The deflated Skyflyer; heavy winds proved too much for the Skyflyer to endure (Image: Submitted) The Skyflyer was first expected to open in the summer of 2022. It had planned to take thrill-seekers in a 32-metre inflated balloon, 400ft in the air, to enjoy panoramic views of the coast of North Wales and beyond. The attraction was designed to offer 360° views - stretching from Moel Famau and the Great Orme in Llandudno all the way to Liverpool on a clear day. It was being built at the former Sun Centre site. The 'blimp' was created by Lindstrand Technologies Ltd of Oswestry. They were working Zip World and Denbighshire Leisure Ltd (DLL) on the attraction. Denbighshire County Council have been approached for comment. Zip World have also been approached. Efforts are being made to contact DLL.