Approval secured for Rhyl trades college

The new-build 32,500 sq ft automotive and construction-focused facility will be around 50% larger than the buildings it will replace at the Coleg Llandrillo site off Cefndy Road.

Planner Williams Gallagher and Conwy-based architect Saer lead the professional team on the project, plans for which were submitted early this year. A decision notice has been issued this week by Denbighshire Council.

At present, the site houses a hotchpotch of buildings, some brick-fasced, some clad in metal sheeting.

The scope of the project covers the demolition of the existing centre for automotive technology, known as the Rhuddlan Building, and the construction in its stead of a new, two-storey construction and automotive building including workshops, teaching rooms, offices, social and ancillary spaces, together with associated external works, landscaping and the creation of a new student plaza.

The client is Grŵp Llandrillo Menai, which was established in 2012 as a result of mergers between Coleg Llandrillo, Coleg Menai and Coleg Meirion Dwyfor with campuses across North Wales including Rhyl. The group is the one of the largest further education providers in Wales and delivers courses to around 21,000 students each year.

As set out by Williams Gallagher, the outcome of the project will be a modern, purpose-built motor vehicle and construction facility. By bringing together currently separate curriculum areas into a single flagship building, the development will provide contemporary, industry standard teaching spaces and support improved pathways into employment and apprenticeships.

Since 2012, said the planner, more than £40m has been invested in Grŵp Llandrillo-Menai’s Llangefni campus and in 2024, a further £24m was invested to replace and relocate Coleg Menai’s Bangor campus with facilities at Parc Menai.

A brand new £13m Engineering Centre of Excellence has also been recently opened at the Rhyl campus.

Williams Gallagher made the case that “as one of the most deprived areas in Wales, Rhyl would greatly benefit from further investment into resources for the young people of the local area”.

The campus is located towards the south-western fringe of the town, close to the Cefndy Employment Park.

The professional team also includes transport planner SK, WML Consulting, landscape architect Above Zero, and acoustics expert Sandy Brown. JAD Consulting provided a construction method statement.

Documents relating to the scheme can be viewed on Denbighshire’s planning portal, reference 45/2026/0001/MD.