Councillors Back ‘Aspirational’ Proposals to Revamp Wrexham Markets

Councillors have unanimously backed an ‘aspirational’ report which proposes to revamp and modernise two of Wrexham’s historic indoor markets.

In a meeting presented to the Employment, Investment and Business Scrutiny Committee, councillors praised the report which will develop a five year strategy for both the General Market and Butchers Market.

Yesterday’s decision followed on from last month’s Scrutiny Committee, which saw councillors unanimously back proposals to keep the markets under the management of Wrexham Council, rather than outsourcing them.

The meeting yesterday focused on a ‘Strategic Asset Management Plan for Wrexham’s Town Centre Markets and Shops’ – outlining a number of priorities and plans for the facilities over the course of the next five years.

The report itself largely focuses on the future of the General Market, Butchers Market and the nine Council owned shops – such as the ones recently painted green on Henblas Street and Chester Street.

Details of the People’s Market are alluded to within the report, however given that the market will later be run by a Trust as it and the carpark are spun out in to the Arts Hub, only interim plans between now and 2018 are mentioned.

Within the report it is noted that the total estimate of the works over the next five years to undertake all outstanding works and comprehensively refurbish the two markets to an overall standard that would be considered ‘excellent’ would cost, at current estimates, in the region of £128,000 for the General Market and £290,000 for the Butchers Market.

Speaking about the costs Council Officer Rebecca Morgan noted that there was a surplus that could be invested in the markets. She added that that if there was 100% occupancy rates in the markets and additional £12k could be invested.

It was also noted that additional funding could be sought via further Vibrant and Viable Places applications from Welsh Government.

Addressing the committee, Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, Cllr Neil Rogers said: “The report is set out and explains how the markets support and enhance the commercial attractions in the town centre.

“It identifies some of the problems with the markets and proposes a range of options. It recognises they are at a crossroads and what we have to do is enhance what we are trying to do and take it forward to the next level.

“This comes at a cost, there are tight budgets and less money to spend. We need to look at what the offer is for the public – the occupancy is at its highest rate since 2013, which is a positive step in itself.”

The report was welcomed by members of the committee, with Cllr Derek Wright saying: “I think this is good news. After the Task and Finish Group in 2013, it seems the management that was put in and the improvements reinvesting profits has had a big impact.

“Occupancy is up, the markets are looking better and things are getting better. I think this Scrutiny Committee and the Lead Member should congratulate themselves for the work they have done.”

Cllr Alun Jenkins noted that there are many ‘hidden gems’ in Wrexham and there is a lot that the council can be selling. He added: “One thing not a hidden gem is the market buildings. We are fortunate to have inherited two historic buildings, they are a major contributor to town centre.”

The report itself largely focuses on the General Market, Butchers Market and the Monday outdoor market – however reference is also made to the People’s Market during its interim period between now and the Arts Hub facility.

Questioning the future of the People’s Market, Cllr Rodney Skelland said: “I still think there is quite a long way to go. The question I need to ask is what will happen to the People’s Market and how will stallholders be treated in the next 12 months, as the People’s Market was the main market to raise money and we were going to use some of that to develop the Butchers Market and the General Market.

“The question is how are the stallholders in the People’s Market going to be dealt with and with the stallholders, so that after January where are they going and will they be allowed to come back? As there will be some not suitable when the centre gets developed – what is the vision?”

Cllr Rogers referenced to the response he gave the committee last month regarding the People’s Market, adding: “Discussions with the People’s Market have continued and they will continue. I gave that assurance at the last meeting and the one before. An ongoing discussion will take place with me, the officers and Cllr Hugh Jones.”

He added that the report is ‘aspirational’ and that the Council would like to invest much more money into Wrexham’s markets.

Reference was also made to the current vacancy rate of Henblas Street, with the Post Office currently consulting with the public on a proposed move to WH Smith on Hope Street and BHS entering into administration earlier this week.

Rachel Prince, representing the General Market said: “We are trying to push stalls ourselves on social media and we’re glad it’s working. Footfall in the General Market has been good recently. Henblas Street and outside are a big problem – the impact of the Post Office and BHS will be big.

“However footfall through the General Market has been good, I’ve been rushed off my feet. It’s footfall in that part of town at the moment that is the problem.”

Cllr Jenkins echoed concerns about the potential move of the Post Office, noting that it is a shame that the Council didn’t ‘take advantage when the Hippodrome came down’ and work with developers to create a ‘markets hub’.

He added: “There were opportunities there. We have Central Arcade that goes into Hope Street. There are opportunities there and opportunities we could have taken to make sure that the markets are at the heart of Wrexham.

“We are left with two fine buildings and it’s a good news story to see we can invest so much money and be 100% behind using any surplus from market budget to invest.”

Issues with public perception were also raised, with reference made to historic headlines run by a local paper which suggested that the markets were facing closure. Sadly last week saw headlines that made traders equally unhappy, with talk when Wrexham.com was in the Butchers Market last week of traders paying a visit to the Leader offices en masse due to them – which also prompted a 400 word reply via their Facebook page.

Similar issues to the markets were alluded to yesterday, with Cllr Rodney Skelland stating: “One of things from stallholders is they said to me the impression was to public was that the People’s Market was closed and the footfall had fallen dramatically. How are you going to deal with that over the next few months? How are you going to increase footfall?”

Cllr Rogers made reference to previous headlines made by the local paper, which suggested that it was was the end of the markets in Wrexham. He said: “That was the perception a few years ago, there was misinformation going out to the public.

“I can’t stop peoples perception. I made that point at Executive Board on the Town Centre Masterplan. We had 99 tweets saying we own all the buildings in town. The perception is the council own them. I’m emphasising we do not.”

One trader told us: “I am happy now things are moving on, it is all a wishlist and we are not expecting it all but we are glad we have got the management in place and positive steps are being taken.”

Speaking about some of the misleading headlines, we were told: “Anything negative affects trade and is a double whammy” adding “We are not getting a bailout, we as traders pay our way for example through the service charge.” Speaking about the possible Vibrant and Viable Places bid or allocation: “Any extra money is of course welcome, and anything is progress!”

The message appeared loud and clear from both Councillors and Traders that the markets are open for business, and if plans are seen through to fruition they will be bigger and better than ever before.

Members of the Scrutiny Committee backed the report and requested that an information report and a full scrutiny report is brought back before councillors at a later date.