Wrexham’s economic revival ‘well and truly under way’ as plans for new retail and leisure hub approved

Wrexham’s economic revival has been declared “well and truly under way” after plans for a new retail and leisure hub were approved.

The town’s businesses have been hit hard by the coronavirus pandemic after lockdown restrictions saw them forced to close their doors in March.

While traders are currently awaiting an announcement on whether the Welsh Government will relax the rules, the area has been given a potential boost after proposals to redevelop a group of shops were given the green light.

The Chapter Court scheme will see a mixture of stores and restaurants established on the ground floor of units on Hope Street, Queen Street, Argyle Road and Rhosddu Road, with offices and bars above them.

The development will be focused around a courtyard area set up behind Wrexham Enterprise Hub to host outdoor events.

Local councillor Marc Jones said although companies are facing a difficult time, he believes it will play an important part in restoring the town’s economy.

He said: “The owners of Chapter Court have kept me in the loop with their proposals at every step and it’s good to hear they’ve had the go ahead to redevelop the site.

“I think this is an important part of revamping the town centre and will offer something new.

“This, together with new restaurants opening in the High Street and ambitious plans to improve heritage buildings, is a vote of confidence in our town centre.

“There are massive challenges in coming out of lockdown, but the Wrexham revival is well and truly under way.”

The proposals include the introduction of three new entrances off Hope Street, Queen Street and Rhosddu Road to draw visitors into the development.

TBE (Southern) Limited, which is behind the application, said it was inspired by schemes in other parts of the UK, including Camden Market in London and the Custard Factory in Birmingham.

In a planning statement submitted to Wrexham Council, agents acting on the company’s behalf said the aim was to draw visitors back to the town following a significant retail slump over the last decade.

They said: “The applicant site has seen a down turn in recent years, with lots of retailers moving out of the area to the new Eagles Meadow shopping complex in another area of the town.

“This area also competes with other retail parks near to town which offer customers the convenience of free parking, longer opening hours and shops all-under one roof.

“Chapter Court aims to attract national high street retailers back to the original end of town, but also attract smaller, more independent local businesses to create a micro retailing hub for Wrexham.

“Along with go-to places to eat and drink and with the development of the court yard that can host year round events will offer customers a new, cultural shopping and leisure experience giving them a reason for return visits.

“Our vision is to establish the town centre as a thriving destination by encouraging a wider diversity of uses.”

The plans were approved by local authority officers using delegated powers.

By Liam Randall – Local Democracy Reporter