A major new education and skills facility backed by more than £10 million of investment has been given planning approval in Rhyl.

The Albert Gubay Centre of Excellence in Construction and Motor Vehicle Engineering will be built at Coleg Llandrillo’s Rhyl campus, creating a state-of-the-art training hub aimed at tackling skills shortages, supporting economic growth and helping North Wales meet net-zero ambitions.

Funded by The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation, the development will expand training opportunities in key sectors including carpentry, masonry, plumbing, green construction skills and vehicle maintenance.

College leaders say the project will play a significant role in Rhyl’s regeneration by providing modern industry-focused facilities, helping raise aspirations among local learners and improving employment prospects across the region.

The centre will also offer specialist training in hybrid and electric vehicle maintenance, alongside low-carbon construction techniques. Students will gain practical experience in sustainable building methods, including timber-frame construction and renewable energy technologies such as solar panel installation.

The development builds on the college’s existing expertise in renewable energy training, including its wind turbine provision, further strengthening Rhyl’s position as a centre for green skills in North Wales.

Paul Flanagan, Principal of Coleg Llandrillo, said the facility would help meet the needs of both employers and local communities.

“This facility is about meeting the real needs of our region and communities – both now and in the future,” he said.

“The Centre of Excellence will not only expand opportunities for local learners, but also play a vital role in the regeneration of Rhyl by equipping people with the skills that employers are actively seeking.”

He thanked The Albert Gubay Charitable Foundation for its support, describing the investment as “extremely generous”.

Mr Flanagan added: “As we move towards a net-zero economy, the demand for green skills is accelerating. This facility ensures that our learners are at the forefront of that transition, gaining the expertise required in sustainable construction and low-emission vehicle technologies.”

The centre is named in honour of Albert Gubay, the Rhyl-born businessman and philanthropist who built a business empire worth more than £700 million and devoted much of his wealth to charitable causes.

Its focus on practical trades, including joinery, masonry, building services and vehicle maintenance, reflects Mr Gubay’s long-standing interest in vocational skills and his commitment to investing in opportunities that benefit North Wales.

Construction is expected to begin this summer, with the new facility due to welcome its first learners in spring 2028.