Theatre and Shopping Arcade Rhyl North Wales.

MR. GREENHALGH'S ARCADE AND THEATRE. In reference to the latest project of Councillor Greenhalgh, we have been favoured with a description of the work, the plans for which have been drawn out by Messrs Darbyshire and Smith, FRIBA the well-known Manchester Architects. They include an Arcade, a Theatre, and an extension of the Queen's Hotel—"The main approach to the Arcade will adjoin the Hotel, which it is proposed to extend over the frontage of the Arcade. Additional bedrooms will be provided on the first and second floors, and also over the Billiard Room, which is to be erected at the rear of the present hotel, and in close proximity to a new grand entrance and staircase. To add to the architectural treatment of the hotel an imposing tower will form the keynote of the whole structure. A new smoke room will occupy the ground floor of the tower, and the kitchens and other domestic offices will be much improved. The hotel, when completed, will contain 40 additional bedrooms, and no expense will be spared to make it one of the principal residential hotels in North Wales. The Arcade, which is spacious, well-lighted, and well-ventilated will have shops arranged on both sides. When half-way between the Promenade to Sussex-street the Arcade is divided by shops in the centre, whilst there will be others on the right and left until it approaches Sussex-street, where another grand entrance is provided with a residential block placed over, having a frontage to Sussex- street. A properly constructed and arranged Theatre, such as visitors fond of Dramatic Art are accustomed to in the provincial cities and inland towns, has been a long felt want on the North Wales Coast. Such a want Mr Greenhalgh proposes to satisfy. Not only visitors but thousands of residents in Rhyl and other neighbouring towns in the Vale of Clwyd will welcome an equipped Theatre, where the very best theatrical companies can be accommodated. With past experience of theatre planning which the architects have had, amongst many we may mention the New Theatre Royal, Exeter, after the disastrous fire; the Palace and Comedy Theatres, Manchester; and Warrington Theatre Royal; also Safety Theatre Designs for Sir Henry Irving, it was becoming that the first home of the drama on a large scale should be entrusted to their care. The Theatre is placed in a central position, so as to be easily accessible from the Promenade and Sussex-street. It consists of an Auditorium containing a Pit and Circle capable of holding 1200 to 1500 persons. An entrance and exit is provided for each part of the house, and the stage shut off from the Auditorium. The stage is large enough for the principal scenic displays, and the Artistes' Dressing Rooms are conveniently arranged on either side of the stage and on the ground floor, with staircases leading to the stage from the Arcade. Special attention has been paid to the egress and ingress, and it is intended to furnish the Theatre in an artistic way now so essential for Theatrical enterprise. Public Lavatories and conveniences are placed in each side of the Arcade. There will be 38 shops in all, and also several show cases. The entire cost of the buildings is estimated at £20,00C. That such a scheme will prove a great boon to the town of Rhyl there can be no question, and the enterprise will be an inducement for visitors to Rhyl not only to come again but to bring their friends with them. We think Mr Greenhalgh deserves the congratulations of his fellow-townsmen, and all others interested in the future of Rhyl, for his latest effort, which cannot fail to be a lasting benefit to the town." [Rhyl Journal 6 November 1897 page 2]

Reference           Rhyl Journal 6 November 1897 page 2