Former Wrexham New Look store could be transformed into Job Centre to tackle Covid unemployment increase

A recently closed fashion store in Wrexham could be turned into a Job Centre to help those made unemployed during the Covid-19 pandemic.

The town’s branch of New Look on Hope Street shut its doors at the end of January after the unit was put up for sale.

It has now been revealed that the large shop is set to be used as a Job Centre to provide employment support and training.

It forms part of an initiative by the Department of Work and Pensions to address the economic impact of the coronavirus crisis.

The centre will operate on an appointment only basis and will be the base for around 50 work coaches.

An application submitted by the Instant Group, a company which will run the facility on the government’s behalf, states: “The proposed Job Centre is an initiative of the Works and Pensions Department of central government to respond to the economic consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“It is specifically aimed at improving the economic circumstances of local areas across the UK by assisting those who have lost their jobs as a consequence of Covid-19 getting back into work.

“The need for these facilities is immediate as it is to address the immediate consequences of the Covid-19 pandemic on the national economy.

“As a result, it is imperative that the initiative can be started immediately to help those that have the immediate need for assistance in getting back into the jobs market and therefore contribute towards the nations economy.

“As a result, any premises where such facilities are being provided must be capable of being implemented quickly.”

Once the centre is fully up and running, it’s expected around 750 people per day will use it.

Each person will be allocated a specific work coach and given the address and an appointment time.

The internal layout of the facility will largely include desk areas, separated by screens, to ensure privacy during one-to-one meetings between advisers and job seekers.

In the planning statement, agents acting on the company’s behalf said the extra footfall would also help to support existing businesses in the town centre.

They added: “The application site represents an ideal central location, accessible to a range of transport opportunities to provide such a facility.

“The fact that the shop unit is vacant means it can be brought back into use quickly.

“In addition as the application involves a shop unit, means that there is minimal change required to allow access for members of the community.”

The proposals to change the use of the store will be considered by Wrexham Council at a later date.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter