A COUNCIL will have to demolish a former town centre store it had repurchased as part of a residential redevelopment plan.

Denbighshire County Council said it has been advised to demolish the former Next store on Rhyl High Street following inspections by a structural engineer.

Last year the council purchased the building among four properties in a £1.32million rejuvenation plan that involved match funding from the Welsh Government. It had intended to renovate it into residential accommodation on the upper floors and into modern units on the ground floor.

Whilst some defects in the structure had been identified prior to purchase and in the initial stages of the design process, it wasn’t until the detailed strip out work had started on site that the full extent of the structural issues could be identified.

Graham Boase, Denbighshire's corporate director for economy and public realm, said: "We had initially planned to refurbish this building but after further detailed structural inspections were carried out, it became clear the structure is in very poor condition, due to neglect over a number of years by previous owners. We have regrettably been advised that as responsible owners we have no other option other than to demolish the building and redevelop the site.

“Whilst this is indeed unfortunate it does potentially provide the Council with further options in terms of the future for the site. Once the re-development of this prominent High Street site is complete, it will deliver high quality spaces which will be of benefit to businesses and residents alike, improving the town’s economy and its offer which should encourage private owners to invest in their own properties across the town centre."

The original plan was to renovate the building in two phases: the first phase involved an internal strip out and the second phase was expected to include structural work on the walls, floors and roof.

Mr Boase added: “Part of the work through our Vision document involves improving the condition of buildings in the town to improve the public realm. We are continuing to work with property owners in the town to help encourage the private sector to invest in them.

"The council remains fully committed to the regeneration of Rhyl and we will need to invest in buildings until the market confidence in the town increases."

Next closed in Rhyl in 2012 and, like Marks & Spencer, relocated to Prestatyn Shopping Park.