RWE npower renewables’ has made a substantial funding award to the redevelopment of Rhyl Harbour, thanks to the Gwynt y Môr Offshore Wind Farm Tourism Fund.
This is the third award announced so far from the specialist £690,000 fund, which was set up through the wind farm to support initiatives aiming to boost the local tourist industry.
Not only has the fund awarded £155,000 to the harbour project, but it has also given practical support, by providing a specialist vessel to help install a new navigation buoy at the mouth of the deep water channel into the harbour.
The Gwynt y Môr Tourism Fund is available to tourism projects identified by both Denbighshire and Conwy councils throughout the offshore construction of the wind farm.
Two projects – new fenders for Llandudno Pier and an access ramp to Rhyl Beach – have already received funding.
Gwynt y Môr Project Director Toby Edmonds said: “We are delighted to be supporting the redevelopment of the harbour between Rhyl and Kinmel Bay.
“The Tourism Fund is providing a substantial grant to enhance the quality and aesthetics of features at the harbour and for interpretation boards around the site. In addition our services were requested to assist with the installation of a new fairway buoy at the entrance to the harbour. We chartered a vessel which has worked on Gwynt y Môr previously to assist with the works. The fairway buoy is now installed and will provide crucial navigation for maritime visitors to Rhyl.
“The Tourism Fund is being divided equally between Denbighshire and Conwy and further projects to benefit from awards will be announced later this year.”
The funding and practical support received from RWE has made a significant contribution to the redevelopment of the harbour which to date has been funded by Denbighshire County Council, Sustrans, and the Welsh Government, including the European Regional Development Fund. This is a flagship project for Denbighshire County Council as the new facilities will ensure that a working harbour and maritime service can continue to operate for years to come, which will help to retain the existing tourism provision and provide exciting new business and leisure opportunities for the future.
Council Leader Hugh Evans said “Working with RWE npower renewables has provided us with opportunities to develop an ambitious project with confidence and with thanks to a generous contribution from the Gwynt y Môr Offshore Windfarm Tourism Fund. Working in partnership has made a significant impact on Rhyl and we welcome their involvement with projects such as this. “
At 576MW, Gwynt y Môr is one of the largest offshore wind farms currently in construction in Europe. It is a shared investment between partners RWE Innogy, Stadtwerke München GmbH and Siemens.
Once fully operational, energy generation from Gwynt y Môr is expected to be equivalent to the average annual needs of around 400,000 homes.
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Press release, July 22, 2013