Central Rhyl Coastal Defences Scheme: Frequently Asked Questions 

Why is this work being carried out?

The central area of Rhyl is currently protected by sea defence structures. However, these are deteriorating and, if no work is carried out, they could fail within the next 10-15 years. Currently, 548 residential and 44 non-residential properties are at predicted to be at risk from flooding.

Ten years ago, Rhyl suffered severe flooding which led to 400 homes being evacuated with many residents transported from their homes by lifeboat crews. The purpose of the scheme is to improve coastal flood defences in Central Rhyl to protect homes, businesses and the tourist economy from flooding events and coastal erosion well into the future.

Why does the area between Butterton Road and John Street have to be closed off if the works only start at John Street?

The new revetment (structure to reduce erosion) starts at the promenade near John Street, however there will be improvement works done to the promenade west of John Street, too, to upgrade the sea defences there.

How long will the scheme take? Will the whole area be closed for this time?

The scheme is scheduled to run for over two years starting at the end of April 2023. It is envisaged all the work will be completed by the end of 2025.

This is a significant project which, in the Western Section (between John Street and SeaQuarium) involves knocking down and removing the old promenade and sea walls, widening, and lifting the new promenade to provide a better shared space for pedestrians and cyclists. This section will also have a new concrete-stepped revetment (structure to reduce erosion). This major work means that this Western Section will be closed for the duration of the scheme.

The Eastern Section runs from SeaQuarium to Splash Point. This will largely be made up of rock scour protection to the foundations of the existing defences, along with concrete repairs where needed. The nature of this work means that some parts of the Eastern promenade will be closed temporarily as construction necessitates.

Why is Quay Street car park being closed?

It is being closed as it’s being used as a storage site for materials for the scheme.

As Quay Street car park will be closed, where else can I park?

If you are looking for a car park close to the site of the Quay Street car park, here are several alternative car parks close to Quay Street, the beachfront in Rhyl and in the town centre.

Here's a list of those, starting with the car park closest to Quay Street.

• Rhyl Promenade – On-Street parking
• Rhyl Central Car Park, West Parade
• Sky Tower Car Park, West Parade
• Town Hall Car Park, Wellington Road
• West Kinmel Street Car Park
• Rhyl Pavilion Theatre car park, East Parade
• Morley Road Car Park

See also: Council car parks

Can I still walk my dog on the beach?

Yes, but please note that between May 1 and September 30, dogs are only permitted on certain parts of Rhyl beach. This is well signposted.

The works will not affect access to areas where dogs are permitted – i.e., the beach east of Old Golf Road. You can walk your dogs here.

However, to the west of Old Golf Road, right up to the Harbour, there are no dogs allowed on Rhyl beach.

Due to the Prestatyn Coastal Defence Scheme works, the promenade between Garford Road in Rhyl and the Sand Dunes in Prestatyn will be closed. However, the beach adjoining this area will still be open for pedestrians and dog walkers.

At some times, construction necessitates work being carried out on the beach. When this happens there will be beach marshals to ensure safe access.

Is the beach still open?

The beach will be open throughout the duration of this work. Some access points to the beach will be closed due to the scheme, those which remain open will be clearly signposted. At some times, construction necessitates work being carried out on the beach. When this happens there will be beach marshals to ensure safe access.

Where are pedestrians going to walk?

Pedestrians will be directed away from the construction works towards the pavement adjoining West Parade. This will take them past SC2, Vue Cinema and the Children’s Village. They will then be able to access the existing promenade to the east of SeaQuarium.

Will the Rhyl Air Show be affected?

The Rhyl Air Show will be going ahead on the 26th and 27th of August 2023. This is one of North Wales's premier free seafront events and more information will be available on the Denbighshire Leisure website and on Denbighshire County Council’s website as well as on our social media closer to the time.

Rhyl Air Show: Official website (external website)

Will there be a free Events Arena concert this year?

There will be an event in the Rhyl Arena this summer. More details to follow.

Rhyl Events Arena: Events (external website)

Will there still be lifeguards on the prom?

Yes – lifeguards will still be on duty on Rhyl beach during the following times:

27 May to 4 June

• 7 days a week
• 10am to 6pm

10 June to 25 June

• Weekends only
• 10am to 6pm

1 July to 3 September

• 7 days a week
• 10am to 6pm

You can find further information about Rhyl beaches on our website.

Will it affect the RNLI?

No – RNLI will still be operational on Rhyl & Prestatyn beaches.

What part of the promenade is closed off to pedestrians?

The West Promenade from Butterton Road and the area close to the Central Car Park will be closed shortly after Easter and for the duration of the work. The image below shows the area affected.

While the promenade itself will be closed, the beach will be open as will all businesses and attractions on the seafront.

Will any other parts of the promenade be closed in coming months?

Part of the promenade between Old Golf Road and the Pavilion car park will be temporarily closed to enable works access to the beach.

Will it affect cycle routes?

Access to the cycling route will be closed between Butterton Road and the Central Car Park. Cyclists will be diverted away from the construction area to a clearly signposted route.

Which attractions will be open?

All attractions and businesses will be open as usual including Crazy Golf, Vue Cinema, SC2, the Children’s Village, SeaQuarium, Kite Surf Cafe, Geronimo’s Play Park, Rhyl Pavilion, and the outdoor terrace, 1891 restaurant, the Rhyl Events Arena, as well as the amusements arcades.