Imagine a beach in North Wales that feels like a slice of the Mediterranean, complete with striped deckchairs, vibrant shelters, and a bustling promenade. But here's where it gets controversial: not everyone was thrilled with the transformation. Welcome to Rhos-on-Sea, the award-winning ‘Welsh Riviera’ destination that’s dividing opinions and sparking debates.
In 2025, this stretch of coastline scooped a prestigious national award after a £20 million makeover. Visitors have been flocking to its newly replenished sands, praising its charm and comparing it to a foreign getaway. One visitor even gushed, ‘We stumbled upon this gem last year and keep returning—it’s like being abroad!’ But beneath the surface of this success story lies a tale of protests, parking woes, and lingering discontent.
And this is the part most people miss: the project wasn’t just about aesthetics. It was a bold move to combat rising sea levels and winter storms, with 1 million tonnes of sand dredged from Liverpool Bay raising the beach by 16 feet. The promenade was reimagined with interactive play areas, solar-powered benches, and even musical instruments. Yet, for some locals, the absence of kiosks, pricey parking, and new speed bumps have left a bitter taste.
The controversy began in 2021 when Conwy Council’s plans faced street protests, particularly over new road layouts and one-way traffic. While many now agree the hassle was worth it, others remain critical. Is it fair to prioritize tourism over local convenience? One resident summed it up: ‘Invest in the seafront, and the people will come—but at what cost?’
This month, the project won the UK Placemaking Project Award at the British Construction and Infrastructure (BCI) Awards, praised for its vision and community-led design. Judges hailed it as ‘a thoughtful, forward-looking example of safeguarding future generations.’ Yet, older residents nostalgically note the beach ‘looks like it did years ago,’ while some visitors grumble about the loss of outdoor showers and free parking.
Here’s a thought-provoking question: Can a project truly succeed if it leaves a portion of the community feeling overlooked? Share your thoughts in the comments—do the benefits of Rhos-on-Sea’s transformation outweigh the drawbacks?
Meanwhile, another Welsh project, Dŵr Cymru’s auxiliary spillway at Llyn Celyn, also won big at the BCI Awards. Designed to manage extreme weather events, it blends seamlessly into Eryri National Park. But with such innovations come questions: Are we doing enough to prepare for climate change, or are these projects just scratching the surface?
Love it or loathe it, Rhos-on-Sea’s makeover is a conversation starter. It’s a story of ambition, controversy, and the delicate balance between progress and preservation. What’s your take? Let’s debate!
