Denbighshire Leisure Ltd, Denbighshire County Council and Alliance Leisure Services, were shortlisted for an award in recognition of the impact of SC2 Rhyl.  Although they didn’t win on this occasion, being shortlisted for such a prestigious award is an honour and an achievement in itself.

They were shortlisted at tonight’s ukactive awards ceremony in the New Concept, Build or Design of the Year category.  The ukactive Awards are the leisure industry’s most respected awards, open to both public and private organisations, and which celebrate the hard work, diverse talents and achievements from across the sector.  The New Concept, Build or Design category is open to organisations who deliver compelling environments and/or spaces that inspire more people to become active, with the judges looking for evidence of successful and trailblazing implementation and delivery.  Consisting of a groundbreaking combination of facilities – the UK’s largest Ninja TAG arena accommodated alongside an indoor/outdoor waterpark – SC2 is the first of its kind in the UK.   The facility also includes themed food and beverage outlets, a soft play area and party areas and a Changing Places approved changing zone. 

Jamie Groves, Managing Director of Denbighshire Leisure said “Everyone at Denbighshire Leisure Limited is thrilled and proud to have been shortlisted for this award, which endorses the hard work over the past few years to create such a special attraction.  We would like to congratulate all the other finalists within the category.  The standard of projects reaching the shortlist was exceptional, which makes our success even more special.  The New Concept, Build or Design category is all about innovation and new approaches that push the boundaries, something that chimes with what Denbighshire Leisure is about.  The vision for SC2, which the Denbighshire Leisure, Denbighshire County Council and Alliance Leisure partnership created, was for the facility to generate increased footfall and economic growth in the town; offering new job opportunities and providing a leisure offer for the local community, day visitors and holidaymakers.  It has been a fantastic journey watching the original vision become a reality and all of our objectives being met. SC2 and the overall waterfront development has without doubt generated a lot more private sector investment, which was the original intention. The attraction has brought confidence in the market, and it is without doubt one of the main reasons why Rhyl is now considered the place to invest in North Wales and beyond. Staycations are much more appealing because of leisure developments and investments like this.”

Cllr Hugh Evans OBE, Leader of Denbighshire County Council said “On behalf of Denbighshire County Council, I would like to congratulate Denbighshire Leisure Ltd and Alliance Leisure Services on being shortlisted for this fantastic award.  The regeneration of Rhyl is a key priority for the Council, and SC2 was a critical component of the Waterfront development.  It is great feeling to see the collective efforts of ourselves, Denbighshire Leisure and Alliance Services being recognised in this way.  We are very proud of the manner in which Denbighshire Leisure manages and operates our leisure attractions, and value the hard work and commitment they put into ensuring they make such a difference to our residents and the economic growth of both Rhyl and the county.  

Sarah Watts, CEO of Alliance Leisure, said “I was immensely proud to see SC2 shortlisted as a finalist at the ukactive Awards. We extend huge congratulations to the winner, and are delighted that SC2 has been recognised for serving as an innovative, enjoyable, and accessible way for people to be more active, more often.”