£3m bus station facelift to begin at Rhyl

Dec 17 2008 by Justine Bailey, Denbigh Visitor

THE start of the new year will witness the beginning of a major refurbishment scheme which will improve the gateway into a seaside town and make life safer and more comfortable for bus users.

Rhyl Bus Station is to close temporarily from January 5 to allow Denbighshire County Council contractors to begin an exciting make-over project.

The £3m scheme will see improvements to this integrated hub, including a new bus station and taxi rank layout and improved access to and from the rail and bus station.

The Council aims to increase the number of stands from five to six. Each will be able to accommodate the longer buses now appearing on many bus routes in the area. Passengers will notice more shelter space and the design is such that the shelters will deter anti-social behaviour. The design will be safer for pedestrians.

The refurbishment to a high specification follows an extensive consultation process over the autumn.

“We would all agree that Rhyl Bus Station is run-down and sometimes the subject of anti-social behaviour,” said Cllr David Thomas, lead member for economic development and regeneration.

“It was designed at a time when operators tended to use minibuses. The new bus station reflects the increasing numbers using the bus service and the needs and expectations of elderly and disabled people. It forms part of the county council’s on-going redevelopment of Rhyl, which includes many initiatives taken as part of the Rhyl Going Forward project.”

Funding for the improvements comes from the Welsh Assembly Government, Taith and Denbighshire County Council.

The information office on the Bus Station will remain open during most of the works. While the bus station itself is closed, there will be temporary stops in the town, as follows:

10 Rhyl-Denbigh: Kinmel Street, opposite the Journal offices

11 Rhyl-Chester: Bodfor Street, near HSBC

12 Rhyl-Llandudno: Kinmel Street, opposite the Journal offices

18/19 Rhyl-Flint: Kinmel Street, opposite the Journal offices

35 Rhyl-Prestatyn-Dyserth-Rhyl: Bodfor Street, near HSBC

36 Rhyl-Dyserth-Prestayn-Rhyl: Kinmel Street, opposite the Journal offices

45/55 Rhyl-Bodelwyddan: Kinmel Street, opposite the Journal offices

47 Rhyl-Highfield Park: High Street, outside Diskos

51 Rhyl-Denbigh (for Corwen): Kinmel Street, opposite the Journal offices

X52 Rhyl-Ruthin (for Wrexham): Kinmel Street, opposite the Journal offices

83/83A/84/84A Town Service: High Street, outside Diskos