“Game changing” regeneration plans for Wrexham General Station as Transport & Business Hub plans revealed

“Game changing” plans to develop a new Transport and Business Hub which will regenerate the area around Wrexham General Station are being unveiled.

The proposals have been formally announced by Economy and Infrastructure Secretary, Ken Skates, ahead of a keynote speech on progress of the Economic Action Plan at the Moneypenny offices in Wrexham today.

Plans for a new major Transport and Business Hub for Wrexham, the establishment of a new north Wales business unit for Transport for Wales, the Business Wales Entrepreneurship Hub, and the opening of a new headquarters building for the Development Bank for Wales, are among the benefits for the region listed as ‘resulting from the new approaches of the Economic Action Plan’.

The new Transport and Business Hub will see the Welsh Government work alongside Wrexham Council, Wrexham Glyndwr University and Transport Wales to help regenerate the Wrexham General Station area

Speaking ahead of the event, Mr Skates said: “Our Economic Action Plan is clear about our focus on public investment with a social purpose, about the value of a partnership approach and about our absolute commitment to developing the economic strengths of our regions.

“With that in mind I am delighted to announce the Welsh Government will be working with Transport for Wales, Wrexham Council and Glyndwr University on plans to develop a new Transport and Business Hub to totally regenerate the area around Wrexham General Station.

“Together, and under a new partnership agreement, all parties will work to develop a masterplan that enhances and integrates transport links in and around the station and opens up new and exciting opportunities for jobs and commercial growth.

“With the first meeting of the partnership set to happen in September, I hope to report progress on this exciting work very soon.

“I am also pleased to confirm that Transport for Wales will establish a North Wales business unit in Wrexham, creating 30 new jobs by the end of 2019.

“And with the Business Wales Entrepreneurship Hub opening last month and the Development Bank opening its Wrexham headquarters in the Autumn and bringing with it 50 high quality jobs, and there is indisputable proof of our economic policies delivering for Wrexham.”

Councillor Mark Pritchard, leader of Wrexham Council, described the plans as a “potential game-changer” that will have a “massive impact on our economic future” in Wrexham.

“Good transport links are a vital part of a healthy economy, helping businesses connect with suppliers, clients and employees, and creating more job options for people by allowing them to commute and travel to work,” he continued.

“This is a tremendous opportunity for the county borough, and a great example of the council, Welsh Government, Glyndwr University and other organisations working together to benefit the people of Wrexham and North Wales.”

Wrexham Glyndwr University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Maria Hinfelaar said: “These proposals are very exciting and come at a crucial time for Wrexham.

|As a University, we have just unveiled our £60 million Campus 2025 strategy, which is designed to provide a fit for purpose and attractive learning environment for our students – and to provide a wider benefit for the whole area.

“It is great news for Wrexham that our proposals will dovetail with the Welsh Government’s plans for investment and infrastructure improvements set out today. We are delighted to be working with them, Wrexham Council and Transport for Wales to help drive our town, and our region, forward. In a few years’ time, Wrexham will be transformed.”

The Economy Secretary also announced that the work of the Deeside Enterprise Zone, is being extended to ensure continuity of delivery and enable a seamless transition to a broader means of supporting economic development in Flintshire and Wrexham, mirroring the merger of the two Enterprise Zones in the North West of Wales next year.