Ffrith Beach

Ffrith Beach, Prestatyn, Denbighshire, North Wales (Postal code LL19 7AR) is one of three sandy beaches along the Prestatyn coastline - Barkby Beach, Central Beach and Ffrith Beach. A promenade joins the three beaches, and, at around 4-miles in length, is used by walkers and cyclists. It has recently been incorporated into the new National Cycle Network. The views along the promenade extend from the Snowdonian Mountains, the Great Orme of Llandudno and Anglesey in the west, through to The Wirral to the east, and Prestatyn Hillside to the south. On very clear days, it is possible to see the Isle of Man, the Cumbrian Mountains and Blackpool Tower, while the BHP Billiton Petroleum Douglas oil and gas platform in Liverpool Bay is usually visible.[1]

Early development

Ffrith Beach was first developed, in modern times, in 1935.

"My first memories of the Ffrith beach are of my grandfather who started the fun fair, which had an arcade, bingo and fair ground. There was also two boating ponds,cafe, ice cream kiosks etc. Many good days were spent on the beach, it's a shame that the Ffrith is no longer a family-oriented place to be. Back in my grandfathers day the Ffrith was packed with holiday makers and day tripers, what happened? Later on in the 70s there was a gokart track added, I can't remember who had the gokarts."

A memory of Prestatyn contributed by Barry Howden.[2]

Recent times

In the latter part of the 20th century there was controversy surrounding the Ffrith Beach which had remained empty and derelict since 1993.[3] On 25 October 2006 Denbighshire County Council announced that it is:

"... to start working with a company to regenerate Prestatyn's Ffrith Beach. The Asset Management Committee yesterday (Tuesday) saw presentations from two companies bidding to develop the site. A preferred bidder was chosen, but for commercial reasons cannot yet be named. Cllr Julian Thompson-Hill, Committee Chairman, said: 'Denbighshire is committed to ensuring that the Ffrith is restored as a site which is an attraction to local people and the county as a whole. This is a major step forward and we are looking forward to working with the preferred bidder to make the most of this important asset.' Denbighshire officers will now work with the preferred bidder over the coming months to develop their initial proposals."

However, whilst negotiations were underway, arsonists set fire to the derelict complex on 1 March 2007,[4] .[5]

Ffrith Beach Fun Parc

In September 2007, the Ffrith Beach Fun Parc was being developed on Ffrith Beach with the dunes and its wildlife managed by Denbighshire County Council in conjunction with the developers Ffrith Leisure Ltd. The first new unit to open on Ffrith Beach was La Freccia Ristorante.[6]

The development included a funfair with some of the rides from the closed-down Ocean Beach funfair at Rhyl being transferred to the site, but at the end of 2008 - start of 2009, Ffrith Leisure went bankrupt. The local council is running the site as a going concern with a view to finding another company to take on the site.

Most of the funfair rides have now been removed and some transferred to the rear of the buildings. .

These rides included the Pepsi Loop coaster which is rumoured to have been sold to a buyer in the Netherlands.

References
  1. Virtual Prestatyn: Beaches
  2. Ffrith photos, maps, books, memories - Francis Frith
  3. BBC - North East Wales Prestatyn - Ffrith Beach Festival Gardens
  4. BBC NEWS | UK | Wales | North East Wales | Blaze at beach garden revamp site
  5. FFRITH FIRE DRAMA - watch our exclusive video report - Rhyl Journal
  6. FFRITH BEACH BACK TO LIFE - Rhyl Journal

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