‘Mothballed’ Rhosddu Property Could Be Brought Back To Life

A ‘mothballed’ and disused property in Rhosddu could be revamped to house a hair studio and residential accommodation if planning proposals are passed.

The Cunliffe Centre, also known as Centre 67 could be converted to a hair studio and single flat if an application is passed by Wrexham Council’s Planning Committee.

If proposals are successful, the ground floor of the currently ‘mothballed’ building would be converted to a hair and beauty studio. The space would also be used as a training academy for students on Mondays.

It is hoped that seven jobs will be available at the hair salon if proposals are passed; with three part-time and four full-time jobs listed in the application.

Alongside the change of use for the ground floor, the application states that the first floor of the property would be converted to a single flat.

There is little detail in the application regarding the flat, however it is noted that it would consist of one bedroom.

The application goes onto note that at present the exterior of the property would remain the same, however the application’s Design and Access Statement states: “According to the selling agents the premises are in need of substantial renovation.”

The property which was previously used as a day care centre has remained vacant for several years. This has largely been due to the fact there had been asbestos in the building and that the premises was not DDA compliant.

In February 2012 an application to demolish the property was put forward, with the space used to create additional parking for the remainder of the site. However the proposals were not passed.

Last year we reported that a decision to ‘mothball’ the property had been taken while ‘all possible options were looked into’. Shortly after the decision to mothball the building, a petition was launched to convert the property into a ‘Free Space’ for the community. Despite the petition gaining 554 signatures, the building has continued to remain disused and vacant.

No date has been set for when the proposals will go before a Planning Committee.