Rhyl at the Heart of New Denbighshire Motorhome ‘Aire’ Project
Denbighshire County Council is moving forward with its innovative ‘Denbighshire Motorhome Aire’ project, a scheme designed to tackle unauthorized overnight stays while providing a significant boost to local tourism. While the project spans six locations across the county, Rhyl is set to become a primary hub for the initiative with two strategic sites designated for development.
Spotlight on Rhyl: Strategic Coastal Facilities
The proposals for Rhyl focus on repurposing existing spaces to better manage visitor flow and support the town’s economy:
Quay Street: A dedicated corner section of the currently closed car park will be transformed into a motorhome-friendly zone. This site is strategically planned to coexist with the remaining area, which is earmarked for coach parking, ensuring the town can accommodate various types of high-value tourism.
Marine Drive (East Parade): A second site is proposed for a small area situated close to the Rhyl Pavilion. This location offers visitors prime coastal access and is expected to drive footfall to nearby attractions and businesses along the promenade.
County-Wide Rollout
Beyond the dual-site focus in Rhyl, the council is also seeking to establish facilities in the following areas:
Prestatyn: Barkby Beach (Lower car park).
Ruthin: Park Street car park.
Corwen: Green Lane car park.
Llangollen: Mill Street car park.
Project Goals and Regulations
The “Aires” are designed to be “basic, hardstanding areas” specifically for short-term stays (maximum 2 nights). The council aims to provide a safe, legal alternative to illegal camping, which has previously caused environmental and social friction in coastal “hot-spots.”
What visitors can expect:
Infrastructure: Fresh water refill points and waste/foul water disposal.
Security: Measures will be installed to prevent unauthorized parking outside of designated areas.
Payment: Stays will be managed via onsite meters or the existing car parking mobile app.
Strict Rules: To maintain the “Aire” status, there is a strict ban on BBQs, fires, awnings, and tents.
A Boost for the Local Economy
The project is funded by the Welsh Government’s Brilliant Basics fund and the UK Government’s Pride in Place Impact Fund (PiPIF).
“The project’s innovative proposals will help provide great facilities for those wishing to travel across Denbighshire and provide a fantastic boost for tourism and businesses where these sites are located,” said Paul Jackson, Head of Highways & Environmental Services.
By situating these sites in Rhyl and other key towns, the council hopes to convert unauthorized campers into legitimate visitors who contribute directly to the local high street. Planning applications for each individual site are expected to be submitted shortly.