The final piece of the Foryd Harbour development jig-saw has fallen into place, following Conwy Council’s decision to approve planning permission for the development of public square and extension of the harbour.
This means that an iconic walking and cycle bridge over the Foryd Harbour in Rhyl can be built, as well as associated quayside development. The application had already been approved by Denbighshire County Council.
The bridge, costing £4.2 million is funded the Big Lottery Fund through Sustrans and £3.75 million from the European Regional Development Fund and the Welsh Government. The remainder of the cost of the overall project, totalling £9.9 million, is funded by Denbighshire County Council.
As well as the cycle/foot bridge over the River Clwyd, plans also include extending the sea wall to provide up to 100 moorings, and the creation of a public square with shops, cafes and other buildings.
Councillor David Thomas, Cabinet Lead Member for Regeneration, said: “This final piece of the jig-saw is great news for Rhyl. This iconic bridge and associated developments at the Foryd Harbour form a major part of our plans to regenerate Rhyl and transform its fortunes.
“We have consulted widely on the proposals over recent years and the project will provide an attractive working harbour and tourist destination to the west of Rhyl.
“The visible support of the council in the harbour project will help build confidence to attract further private sector investment; this is vital to support further redevelopment in the town.”
The new bridge will join the counties of Denbighshire and Conwy and will bridge a gap in National Cycle Route 5 which forms part of the Wales Coastal Path.
In September 2009, public consultation took place followed by a competition to design the new bridge. Five designs were submitted and Dawnus, with sub-contractors Giffords from Chester, submitted an iconic design which won with endorsement from the Design Commission for Wales.
