Rhyl's multi-screen cinema to reopen in latest boost for seaside town
Rhyl's multi-screen cinema is set to reopen as the embattled seaside town shows early signs of a revival. The town has suffered a tough few years with the closure of the Vue cinema on the seafront, as well as losing the SeaQuarium and the failure of the Skyflyer to take-off.
This was compounded by storm damage closing the SC2 waterpark. But this week came the news it would reopen next month.
The town is also set to benefit from a £20m UK Government investment in the resort - with a board set up to decide how that should be spent. The Queen's Market Food Hall and Event space will also open in July.
Now independent national cinema operator, Merlin Cinemas have announced they will take over the closed five-screen cinema, subject to completing lease arrangements with Denbighshire County Council, who own the site.
The Cornwall-based independent operator has 21 other cinemas across the UK, including the Scala at Prestatyn. The company has a reputation for operating historic cinemas, as well as repurposed and modern buildings as cinemas, in communities often overlooked or underserved by larger cinema companies.
Following the closure of the cinema at the end of January, Denbighshire County Council said it has been "working hard" to attract an operator to the popular amenity on Rhyl's promenade.
Councillor Jason McLellan, Leader of Denbighshire County Council and Lead Member for Economic Growth & Tackling Deprivation said: 'We're delighted to have Merlin on board to ensure that residents and visitors can enjoy a great day out in Rhyl. Once the lease is signed and Merlin have taken over, the cinema will play a pivotal role in the broader regeneration efforts in Rhyl town centre.'
Merlin is working closely with the Council to complete and sign the lease and with suppliers to assess the work needed behind the scenes before it can reopen. They said they are committed to improving the cinema and enhancing the cinema experience for the local community. It may mean that the cinema reopens in phases. There will also be a new name, which is still under wraps. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox
Merlin's Founder and Managing Director, Geoff Greaves, who was awarded an MBE for his outstanding contribution to the cinema industry, said: 'We're delighted to have been successful in our bid to operate this cinema. We're already familiar with the location because of our cinema four miles along the coast in Prestatyn, but when the opportunity came along, we jumped at the chance.
"We are doing everything we can to get the doors open so that the town has a cinema again. We really believe that seeing a film at the cinema on the big screen with family or friends is a very different experience to watching it at home; it is more memorable, more sociable and offers a sense of occasion. We look forward to welcoming you back to your cinema very soon.'
Councillor McLellan added: 'The cinema itself is in a great location opposite Queen's Market Food Hall and Event space, which will open on 10 July, therefore this is a great opportunity to be part of an exciting time for Rhyl. As a Council, we're delighted to have found an operator to take over the site so quickly and we're looking forward to working with Merlin to secure the success of the facility.
'When it opens, I urge residents to support the cinema as well as other leisure facilities in the town – we need everyone to be backing our businesses to ensure their continued success.' Join the North Wales Live
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
South Wales Argus
41 minutes ago
- South Wales Argus
Expanding Horizons acquires three South Wales care homes
Cwmbran-based Expanding Horizons secured the homes following its takeover of Enable Care Services (South Wales) Ltd. The acquisition was funded by a £3.25 million investment from NatWest. Ellis Jenkins, director at Expanding Horizons, said: "At Expanding Horizons, we care deeply about the quality of care our service users receive. "We seek to not only support individuals but empower them to be the best versions of themselves. "The fact that so many people in Wales are living with disabilities and severe mental illness underscores the critical need for tailored support which helps them gain or rebuild their independence. "Residents of South Wales deserve the highest quality of care, and we are thrilled to announce the acquisition of Enable Care Services as we continue to grow and expand our network. "NatWest has been exceptional throughout the process, demonstrating a deep understanding of our industry and our goals and we are incredibly grateful for their support." The deal includes two care homes in Cwmbran and one in Argoed. Expanding Horizons provides personalised support for people with learning disabilities and severe mental illnesses. The company marks its 20th anniversary this year. Part of the funding will go towards the acquisition, while the remainder will support refinancing and infrastructure improvements to ensure regulatory compliance. The expansion is aimed at meeting the rising demand for residential and supported living services across South Wales. According to Public Health Network Cymru, around 900,000 people in Wales live with a disability. This represents 27 per cent of the population, compared to the UK average of 22 per cent. Neil Williams, senior relationship manager at NatWest, said: "The work that Expanding Horizons does is absolutely invaluable to its service users and is the exact sort of community benefit that we look to support at NatWest. "We look forward to continuing our partnership and are excited to witness Expanding Horizon's continued growth and evolution." Expanding Horizons said the acquisition will improve its ability to deliver high-quality care across the region. The company currently operates a portfolio of care homes and supported living services in South Wales.
Scottish Sun
an hour ago
- Scottish Sun
Oasis fans set to break all-time booze records during sold-out Scots gigs
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) OASIS fans could be set to break booze records at Scotland's largest stadium, industry experts claim. Up to 210,000 supporters are expected to descend on Murrayfield Stadium in Edinburgh for three sell-out shows at the beginning of August. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 3 Oasis fans could smash alcohol sales records at Murrayfield Stadium Credit: Alamy 3 The Gallagher brothers are returning to Edinburgh as part of their box office UK tour Credit: Getty 3 Oasis announced their shock reunion last August Credit: PA And organisers expect 'medium to high intoxication' among a 'substantial amount of older fans', according to secret planning documents. The 70,000 fans at each show would need to neck three pints each to eclipse previous sales. And DF Concerts expect a 'spirited audience' with 'medium to high intoxication' at the Oasis gig. Figures suggest fans could guzzle more than 120,000 drinks each night, based to historic sales figures from other mega concerts at the venue. A breakdown shows beer has been particularly popular with rock fans while pop-loving punters prefer cider and wine. Entertainment guru Donald MacLeod, who helped plan Oasis' last Scottish gigs 16 years ago, said: 'Given the hospitality sector has been so brutalised by councils and government in the past few years, this is going to be a boom for many bars, pubs and restaurants in the Edinburgh area. 'I think it's going to be supersonic when they play in Edinburgh. And I hope they set a new record for alcohol sales. 'Alcohol gets the better of a few people. But I think we have to 'roll with it' and enjoy it. It's not going to be a 'champagne supernova' as such, fans are more likely to drink beer. 'Cigarettes And Alcohol is one of their greatest songs. Whilst the fans may have ditched the cigarettes, there's still plenty of alcohol there to be drunk - as long as they do it safely.' Mr MacLeod, who has an MBE for services in music and charity, promoted Oasis gigs in 2000 and 2009 together with Regular Music. Noel Gallagher looks stony-faced as he makes lonely Tube journey to Oasis rehearsals – but Liam's entrance is chaotic He added: 'I think almost everybody there will have a beer for the occasion of Oasis getting back together. It's a cause of celebration. 'But there's no way that some of these fans will be able to drink as much as they did in 2009. Things have moved on.' Papers obtained by the Scottish Sun under FOI laws show an estimated 55,000 Robbie Williams fans were expected to down 120,000 drinks at the end of May. Punters at the gig coughed up between £6 to £8 for a pint and between £8 to £12 for a glass of wine. Almost a third were sales of lager, another third cider, with the rest made up of wine, gin and tonic, and soft drinks. The former Take That singer's previous gig in June 2017 saw 48,608 people attend with 108,728 drinks sold. The Rolling Stones' gig in June 2018 saw 52,583 fans down a whopping 107,005 drinks. Council blasted for fans 'insult' by Gordon Tait MURRAYFIELD locals have blasted council chiefs for branding Oasis fans as 'fat, old, drunk and lairy'. Residents said it was insulting to 210,000 revellers expected to flock to Edinburgh in August. We previously told how officials labelled them as rowdy "middle-aged men" who "take up more room" and drink to "medium to high intoxication". Maureen McSherry, 63, of fully-booked Murrayfield Hotel, said: "The number of people and atmosphere will be good for business. What they said is a very big generalisation." Elinor Cronin, 39, of nearby Roseburn Bar, said: "The council is insulting. A minority may be rowdy, most won't be." Beyonce's 52,568 fans enjoyed 105,396 drinks at her concert in May 2023, back in 2019, 51,589 Spice Girls bought 94,701 drinks. Documents said there had been few arrests at previous Gallagher brothers gigs, but fears were raised about clashes with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. A paper noted 'concern about crowds of Oasis on weekends as they are already rowdy and the tone of the band.' It added: 'Concerned about the safety of the Fringe and its performers. Many performers are considering not attending for that weekend.' Emails show council chiefs have also been in contact with other major cities hosting Oasis gigs - including Cardiff, Manchester and Dublin - in a bid to 'share ideas' and 'best practice for the event.' The SRU and Murrayfield Experience were approached for comment.
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
We're raising our children without rules – they don't have a bed time and they only go to school if they want to
The children decide everything for themselves, including what they eat and learn FREE RANGE We're raising our children without rules – they don't have a bed time and they only go to school if they want to A COUPLE who are raising their children without rules have shared an insight into their everyday life. The family-of-five described themselves as "unconventional", with the young children allowed to set their own schedules each day. Advertisement 2 A couple who practice 'unconventional' parenting shared an insight into their everyday life Credit: YOUTUBE Adele and Matt spoke to the YouTube channel the Truly Show about their unique approach to parenting. The Brighton-based pair shared 11-year-old son Ulysses and daughters Astara, six, and Kai, three. All three children are being raised with "no strict rules" in any aspect of their lives, including meal times, bed times, and school. "The children listen to their bodily cues, they sleep when they're tired, eat when they're hungry," said Matt. Advertisement He joked that this does mean that their diets include a lot of "junk food", such as crisps, cookies, chocolate, and pizza. Matt clarified that their "unconventional parenting" style was about giving their children the freedom to choose. This began at a young age as the kids decided when they wanted to stop breast-feeding and co-sleeping with their parents. While their oldest son co-slept until the age of 11 and stopped breast-feeding around six, his younger sister was happy to move into her own room at five and quit breast-feeding the year before that. Advertisement Meanwhile the youngest Kai still sleeps in her parents' bed at three and continues to breast-feed, with Adele saying she didn't see either ceasing any time soon. This feeds into the couple's main parenting philosophy which involves attachment parenting their children when they are young as well as practicing gentle parenting. How one poly couple make it work while raising teenage sons This close relationship is continued all the time as the children do not attend school. Instead, Adele and Matt use an "unschooling" technique at home, though they clarified this is not considered homeschooling. Advertisement According to them, it lets the child lead what they learn, with nature playing a huge part in their education The family even have a garden farm, which includes a flock of chickens and roosters, as well as rabbits and dogs. "We do not worry about them not being in school, I'd worry about what they'd miss out on if they weren't in school actually," Adele said. Different parenting techniques Here are some widely recognised methods: Authoritative Parenting This technique will often foster independence, self-discipline, and high self-esteem in children. It is often considered the most effective, this technique is where parents set clear expectations - enforcing rules - whilst also showing warmth and support. Authoritarian Parenting This is opposite to authoritative parenting, as it is where the parent sets high demands but is low on responsiveness. It involves ensuring the child is obedient and often employ punitive measures. While this can lead to disciplined behaviour, it may also result in lower self-esteem and social skills in children. Permissive Parenting Permissive parents tend to be indulgent and lenient, often taking on a role more akin to a friend than an authority figure. They are highly responsive but lack demandingness, granting children a lot of freedom. This method can nurture creativity and a free-spirited nature but may also result in poor self-regulation and difficulties with authority. Uninvolved Parenting Uninvolved or neglectful parenting is marked by low responsiveness and low demands. Parents in this category offer minimal guidance, nurturing, or attention. This often leaves children feeling neglected, which can have significant negative effects on their emotional and social development. Helicopter Parenting Helicopter parents are extremely involved and overprotective, frequently micromanaging their children's lives. Although their goal is to protect and support, this approach can hinder a child's ability to develop independence and problem-solving skills. Free-Range Parenting Free-range parenting encourages children to explore and learn from their surroundings with minimal parental interference. This method promotes independence and resilience but requires a safe and supportive environment to be successful. Attachment Parenting According to Attachment parenting focuses on physical closeness and emotional bonding, often through practices such as co-sleeping and baby-wearing. This approach aims to create secure attachments and emotional well-being, but demands significant time and emotional commitment from parents. Each of these parenting techniques has its own set of strengths and weaknesses. The key is to find a balanced approach that aligns with the family's values and meets the child's needs for a healthy, happy upbringing. "A conventional education I would say is definitely failing a large majority of children right now." Advertisement Astara shared her hopes to learn how to write when she's turns "seven or eight" but in the meantime she is focused on things like gymnastics and ballet. As well as "outside school", the couple's unconventional parenting approaching also relates to medical care. They opt to "respect our children's bodily autonomy" and try to steer clear of vaccines and medication unless absolutely neccessary. Instead, they use alternative forms of care, such as herbal teas and extracts or "anything holistic without outside effects". Advertisement And as for how they invision their children's futures, the couple said they are with whatever lifestyle they choose when they grow up.
