A taxi boss has taken on a unit that been lying empty for six years - with plans to open a 24-hour mini-market.
Back in 2015 dry cleaning firm Johnsons closed four of its stores across North Wales as it pivoted away from the high street.
This included their branch opposite Morrisons in Rhyl - with the unit remaining empty.
But now Steve Derby of Busy Bee Taxis in Rhyl has relocated his business there with plans to open a convenience store and sandwich shop in around six weeks.
He said the combination of the taxis and store will allow them to run a 24-hour operation.
Steve said: “This site has been on the market for six years, it’s in a good location but the rates are high. It has a good car park here which is ideal for the taxi business.
“Where we were previously on Wellington Road we had permission to park our vehicles but it was upsetting the neighbours as we were taking up spaces so this site is great.
“But I also wanted it as a convenience store, one that runs 24 hours that could run in conjunction with the taxis.
“We’re currently possibly the busiest taxi company in Rhyl but it doesn’t warrant employing someone all the way through the night to answer the phone.
“Likewise I used to own a Premier store on Wellington Road and that wasn’t worth keeping open all night.
“The idea here is that through the night I can have someone there answering the phone so all the jobs are documented and cars are tracked and at the same time they can serve people who come into the shop. I think we’ll be providing a good service for people by having somewhere they can go anytime.
“Work is underway and hopefully we will be open in six weeks as Busy Bees Convenience Store.”
He is though appealing the rates at the site - saying the current rateable value per square metre is more than many surrounding retail sites.
