Member Article

Seafront hotel scheme approaches halfway mark

Construction of the new Rhyl Travelodge is approaching the halfway mark.

The 73-bed hotel is being built by Wynne Construction on the site of the East Parade car park near the former Sun Centre, forming part of Denbighshire County Council’s £25m Rhyl Waterfront regeneration scheme.

In one of the latest developments, a 100 tonne mobile crane with 50m of jib arrived on site to lift the last of the pre-fabricated bathroom pods into the three-storey building.

The hotel will boast a render finish and will include a ground floor reception, bar and breakfast restaurant area.

Its timber frame is nearing completion and work is now under way on its internal lift shaft. External render finishes and construction of the roof will begin shortly.

Specialist trades currently being employed on site include bricklayers, joiners, scaffolders and ground workers, supported by Wynne Construction’s general operatives.

A total of 110 people have worked on the project so far, with a further 190 to be employed there before the project is completed in January.

Under Wynne Construction’s policy of employing local supply chain partners, contractors from the surrounding area are being hired where possible. The contract to design and build the hotel and car park was awarded to the Bodelwyddan-headquartered developer in January, by developer ION Development.

The Travelodge will also include a Marston’s pub and restaurant catering for 150 customers.

It is the second part of the waterfront development awarded to Wynne Construction by Ion Development.

In 2017, the firm completed the first phase of refurbishment works to the Pavilion Theatre and converted the town’s landmark Sky Tower into a light beacon, both on behalf of Denbighshire County Council.

The Council’s other work in the town includes the construction of the SC2 waterpark and creating the 1891 restaurant.

The contract was awarded under the North Wales Construction Framework. Founded in 1926 in Rhuddlan, Wynne Construction relocated its headquarters to Bodelwyddan in 2005. It operates across North Wales and the North West.

Site manager Mark Wilson said: “The cold temperatures in winter set us back during the sub-structure works and high winds have slowed us a little with erecting the timber frame. With working on the sea front, it was inevitable we would lose some days to the wind.

“Despite these setbacks, we have progressed well. It is good to see the building taking shape and we are back on target to finish in January.

“It’s also really good to be working on a job so close to home. The company started very close to Rhyl, and several of our employees live there. Everyone is enjoying contributing towards Rhyl’s redevelopment.”

Cllr Hugh Evans, leader of Denbighshire County Council, said: “Residents and visitors to Rhyl can see real change in the town and I’m pleased to see the work on the Travelodge progressing so well.

“Increasing economic prosperity is a priority for the Council and the investment from ourselves and the private sector is ensuring this will become a reality.”

Steve Parry, managing director, ION Development, said: “Our work with Wynne Construction and Denbighshire County Council on Rhyl Travelodge is set to provide a boost for this seaside town’s economy as part of the Council’s ambitious vision to transform and regenerate the waterfront and increase economic prosperity.”

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Sam Harris .