6 days ago
Vacant building by Rhyl railway station to be a flower shop
Jacqui Bell, who runs the artisan floristry business The Little Flowermonger, is to set up shop at unit six of the Grade II listed station building, near The Cob & Pen pub.
She started her business in Rhuddlan, where she opened a shop in late 2019, before having to close and become a home-based enterprise as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The unit in question was previously used as a busman's restroom, and as a kiosk for rail passengers.
'I've got the keys, but there's still a lot of work to do,' Jacqui said.
'I've been negotiating for three-and-a-half years to get this place. I've always loved the railway station; I love listed buildings.
'I've always thought it would make a great place for a flower shop. I want to be open as soon as possible – it's been empty for years, and I don't think it's been in retail use since the 1970s.'
Jacqui's business is named in the Good Florist Guide, which lists the best florists in the UK and Ireland.
She sells flowers suitable as gifts and for all sorts of special occasions, and has been a florist for about 30 years.
In her successful planning application for a change of use of the unit, she wrote that she aims to give the unit a 'more attractive appearance'.
Jacqui added in her planning application: 'The building has been vacant for a number of years, making the station look unloved to both locals and visitors, not making a positive and welcoming impact on arrivals.
'Flower shops are traditional to railway stations, and would be in keeping with the beauty of the listed building and conservation area.'
Jacqui said: 'I just think it's going to help 'pretty up' the town.
'It's a beautiful building that's going to be used again, and used in a nice way.'
