Work to transform ‘eyesore’ Wrexham pub into Co-op set to start as plans are approved

WORK to transform an “eyesore” pub in Wrexham into a convenience store is expected to get underway next month after a planning application was approved.
The Red Dragon pub on the Caia Park estate closed in the early 2010s as its owners said it was no longer making enough money.
The derelict building on Prince Charles Road was left boarded up for several years leading community leaders to raise concerns about its appearance.
In November, proposals were entered by the Co-op to turn it into a large shop measuring 400 square metres.
The scheme has now been given the go ahead after receiving the backing of Wrexham Council’s planning department.
The decision, which will see the Co-op relocate from its current store 50 metres away, has been welcomed by Queensway councillor Carrie Harper.
The Plaid Cymru politician said: “This is great news for the community as without this investment by the Co-op, the building would have likely stood empty for the foreseeable future.
“The refurbishment is due to start over February and will result in a larger local store with a wider variety of produce, as well as delivering additional local jobs.
“The residents I’ve spoken to about this are really looking forward to it and it will really improve the ward.”
Plans were previously submitted in a bid to convert the pub into a rehabilitation centre for people recovering from brain injuries.
However, the application was rejected by because of concerns about the loss off the community facility, which was built in the 1960s.
The Northhold Group, which is behind the latest proposals, said the new store would help to meet the needs of local residents.
In the planning documents, a representative said: “The pub has been empty and boarded-up, although securely maintained, since attempts to revitalise it in 2011.
“Sold by Admiral Taverns, and most recently in private ownership it had become uneconomical due to structural changes in the licensed trade which has seen the loss of many traditional pubs.
“It is proposed to retain and convert the existing public house to form a single retail unit, with an extension to the front of the building to provide additional floorspace at ground floor and to provide a new shopfront.
“The replacement store will continue to function as a small, local food store meeting the day-to-day needs of Caia Park residents.”
The plans were approved by council officers using delegated powers.

By Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter