‘Discussions’ & Events Plans For Henblas Street – But Poll Indicates Wrexhamites Sceptical

The final ‘big name’ from one of Wrexham’s largest shopping developments has relocated- leaving the question on everyone’s lips, what next for Henblas Street? 

Henblas Square, which was developed in the late 90s was seen at the time as a landmark development for the town centre, with flagship stores such as TJ Hughes, Bhs and The Entertainer filling the spaces.

However over the past few years the big high street retailers have gradually departed the area – be that due to relocation in the town centre, company’s entering administration or the effects in the late 2000s.

The first store to leave the development was TJ Hughes, which closed in 2011 when the company announced the company had entered administration. Along with the loss of one of the original flagship stores, the closure of TJ Hughes resulted in loss of the cut through between Chester Street and Henblas Street.

In 2013 women’s fashion retailer Internationale closed after the company entered administration.

The closure of the store was followed in 2014 by fellow clothing store, Evans. Bodycare also left the Henblas Square development, with the store relocating to Hope Street during summer 2014.

In July 2015 The Entertainer left the development, choosing instead to set up shop on Eagles Meadow, citing ‘store growth’ as the reason for their relocation.

Over the past three weeks two occupied units on Henblas Square left the area. The second largest store on the development, BHS closed at the start of August following a shock announcement in April that the company had entered administration.

Last Wednesday also saw the Post Office close its doors on Henblas Street for the final time, with a new branch opening on the first floor of WHSmith on Hope Street last Thursday.

A ‘YMCA’ charity shop is now the sole trader on that particular row of shops.

In July Wrexham.com reported that the Henblas Square retail space had been put up for sale – with the former TJ Hughes boasting business rates of an eye watering £240,000 a year.

However now all the ‘flagship’ stores have left the area, fears have been raised by some over the potential impact the lack of footfall will have on the three indoor markets and the several independent traders around Henblas Street.

Earlier this month we conducted a Wrexham.com a poll asking readers if they thought Henblas Street would look any different in eighteen months and what they think should fill the empty space. 1,113 of you took part and the results are below.

We queried with Wrexham Council to see if there had been any discussions regarding the future of Henblas Street and what can be done to attract new businesses to the area, despite the Council not owning it.

Cllr Neil Rogers, Lead Member for Economic Development and Regeneration, said: “We are in discussions regarding the site, but these – along with any prospective enquiries – would be subject to confidentiality.”

Wrexham.com also queried if, aside from the Arts and Cultural Hub in 2018, if there were any more immediate plans to attract new tenants / footfall in the area.

Cllr Rogers added: “We are developing an events plan to promote footfall into the People’s Market and neighbouring areas during the construction period of the Arts Hub development, which is scheduled to be completed by January 2018.

“The Town Centre & Events Team continues to work in partnership with the Town Centre Forum and Steering Group to develop a range of activities to support the markets and other retailers.”

The above direct link between the plans to help the area of Henblas Street / town centre and the Town Centre Forum and its ‘steering committee’ gives added significance to comments from its Chair. Posting on our Facebook page back in April an intriguing message from the Chair was left saying ‘I predict that within 12 – 24 months Henblas St/ Square will be amazing’.

Going by our poll it appears Wrexhamites are not convinced:

The well repeated rumour in town over the weekend is one large sports retailer was eyeing up the old TJ Hughes as a possible outlet either to replace or expand their offering in town.

Henblas Street/Square now:

*While the shops on the Henblas Square development are now all but empty, the three indoor markets, a number of independent businesses selling everything from video games, fruit and veg, sweets and clothes all remain to trade successfully in and off Henblas Street – so remember to keep supporting them!