Apartment plans for King Street office space recommended for approval

Plans to partially convert vacant office space in Wrexham town centre into apartments could be given the go ahead next week.

In June 2017 Wrexham.com reported that plans had been put forward to convert 63 King Street from office usage into primarily accommodation.

As part of the plans the ground floor of the building would be partially converted into accommodation, with a one bedroom property situated at the rear of the property. A single self-contained office would remain at the front of the building.

Four one bedroom apartments would also be created on the first and second floors.

The application also consists of a two storey extension at the rear of the property to “facilitate additional floor space”.

Next week a decision on the application will be made by planning committee members, with the head of environment and planning recommending that the plans are approved.

In the report due before councillors next week feedback is noted from the local community council, who have requested that the proposed extension “should be in keeping with the existing buildings and should not restrict access to other properties”.

It is also noted that local Councillor Marc Jones has “relayed comments he has received from concerned local businesses”.

Commenting on the application, the head of environment and planning explains that the “proposed residential use of the site would be consistent with Council aims to increase residential occupancy in the town centre and to increase footfall beyond business hours”.

He adds: “I am satisfied that the proposed conversion and extension works in the town centre are acceptable.

“The proposal will be consistent with the approach taken to other developments in the town centre and would not impact upon the viability and vitality of the existing retail and other commercial operations.

“The physical alterations to the building will preserve the character of the conservation area and will not impact upon the setting of the listed building.”

In April 2018 Wrexham.com reported that accomodation plans had also been lodged for further up King Street, with an application submitted to covert the two floors of 16-30 King Street / Centenary Buildings into 50 apartments.

Both King Street applications are amid a number submitted over the past year to convert vacant office space in the town centre into apartments.

The application for 63 King Street will be considered for approval by Wrexham Council’s planning committee from 4pm on Monday 4th June. The meeting will also be webcast live on the council’s website for those unable to attend.