For generations visitors have streamed into Rhyl before ebbing away due to the rise of cheap foreign holidays, the cost of living and a beleaguered reputation. However, Rhyl has had something of a makeover and I went along to gauge visitors' opinions on a sunny Thursday afternoon. Sea defence work and a raised and widened promenade - costing £69m in Welsh Government cash - is all but complete. The SC2 waterpark has re-opened, the Queen's Market is up and running and the derelict SeaQuarium site has been cleared for potential events. The multi-screen cinema is also making a comeback. Months of hard work and money has gone into revamping the town to attract back at least some of the legions of tourists who spent hours here in their younger years, or new generations. But is it all likely to draw in families in 2025? And, if so, what do they like best? Join the North Wales Live Whatsapp community now Setting off from by the Crazy Golf course, I headed along the prom. Soon I found Kenneth and Janet Hensall, from Denton, Manchester, sitting on a bench. Kenneth, whose family are staying in nearby Towyn, was positive about the new promenade. He said: "Whoever's bright idea it was to do this work deserves a pat on the back. "I've been coming here for 70 years. The front has improved 100 per cent," said Kenneth. "It's just a pity about the back," added his wife Janet pithily. I thanked them and walked on, towards the lifeboat station. A family-of-four were eating ice creams on a bench. Dad Andy Walsh, of Stoke-on-Trent, said: "It (the prom) looks a lot better. It's just a shame there's not many people here and there's so much litter." The family, which included his wife Kathy and their children Charlie, nine, and six-year-old Hattie, were also staying in Towyn and had enjoyed their visit to Rhyl which had included crabbing at Marine Lake earlier in the day. Further along, visitor Kevin, 68, from Wrexham, also praised the waterfront although he bemoaned the fact there was litter. "It's a shame it's not as busy as it once was many years ago. "The only thing that bothers me is having to pay to park down a side street." I left him and wandered onto the beach. Steve, in his 40s, was enjoying a break with his family. He said he wouldn't use the new facilities - the Vue Cinema has just been taken on by Merlin Cinemas for example - as his children are too young at the moment but the beach is still the main attraction for them. "I have always thought Rhyl was a quite a nice place," he said. "We come here quite often. "We've only really come for the sand. I like this beach because even at high tide there's still some sand. It's not a five-mile walk to have a paddle!" He had visited Rhyl during promenade reconstruction work and "all the paths were closed off" but the finished work is a "massive improvement", he said. Steve said he is staying in a shepherd's hut in Betws-y-Coed but had decided against his original plan to go on to Eryri or Anglesey as it would have added 30 or 40 miles to his trip. Denbighshire County Council says Rhyl's seafront has undergone a "dynamic revival" with a "series of regeneration milestones delivering a major impact for residents, businesses, and visitors." Rhyl Neighbourhood Board - driver of the Ein Rhyl/Our Rhyl campaign - is supporting a new phase in the town’s ongoing transformation - with the promenade at the heart of a bold and exciting future. The newly opened Queen’s Market stands as a key landmark in this rejuvenation, blending modern design with local character, bringing together independent food outlets, local traders, pop-up events, and community activities which have been enjoyed by thousands of customers within weeks of opening. Alongside this, the major programme of sea defence improvements has been completed, strengthening Rhyl’s coastline against the effects of climate change and flood risk. Adding to the momentum, SC2 water park has reopened, the new Ember Lounge has proven popular with diners and sports fans, and Merlin Cinemas has taken on the former Vue Cinema, ensuring the big screen experience continues as a key part of the town’s leisure offering. Chair of Rhyl Neighbourhood Board, Craig Sparrow, said: “It’s fantastic to see so much positive change happening across the promenade. “This progress is about more than buildings and infrastructure – it’s about pride, aspiration and unlocking Rhyl’s potential as a great place to live, work and visit. These projects are a direct result of community input and collaborative leadership.” Further up the promenade, transformation continues where the Seaquarium once stood. The cleared site has opened-up a new public area, with plans being developed for future use of the space. Meanwhile, work is progressing on a brand-new Drift Park on West Parade - set to replace the former children’s play area with modern, inclusive, and imaginative facilities that reflect Rhyl’s ambitions for families and young people. Sandra Sharp, newly appointed Programme Manager for Ein Rhyl/Our Rhyl, added: “This is just the beginning. We’re seeing real energy and momentum building in Rhyl, and we’re working to ensure local people are central to the journey. “The vibrant new murals that will span the coastal defences are an example of this local collaboration and showcases the strength of local creativity and contribution. “From new spaces and businesses to better amenities and a more welcoming environment, Rhyl’s transformation is something we can all be proud of and will be a firm foundation for the £20m 10-year regeneration strategy the Board is leading on.” Other work will soon include painting and replacement of damaged and corroded handrails, replacement or removal of outdoor covered seating areas, landscaping works and repair and refurbishment of decorative steel structures. Denbighshire County Council will be receiving £20million for Rhyl from the UK Government’s Plan for Neighbourhoods programme. Rhyl Neighbourhood Board will develop a 10-year vison for the town and an initial investment plan to determine what priorities should be. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox See what's happening in your area