Wrexham Glyndwr University look to purchase Wrexham Village – AM says ‘ momentum is gathering’

Wrexham failed to score last night in an away draw at Halifax, but off the pitch the club gained a win in Cardiff.

Wrexham’s Assembly Member Lesley Griffiths has published a copy of a letter from the Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Infrastructure, more commonly known as Clwyd South Assembly Member Ken Skates, which noted his officials had held a meeting with Wrexham Football Club and Wrexham Council to discuss a report that had been commissioned by the club.

The letter also refers to the Vice Chancellor of Wrexham Glyndwr University Professor Hinfelaar confirming that the university is interested in purchasing the adjoining land and flats on Crispin Lane. It contains a caveat that any firm intent would need the university board to agree prior to proceeding.

Of course the vendors, believed to effectively be Geoff Moss and Ian Roberts, would also need to be open to any deal for the flats and land. However with little interest despite long term sales listings many fans will hope they are motivated to finally withdraw from their involvement in that area of town.

Lesley Griffiths AM said: “With Wrexham AFC representatives heading to the National Assembly today, I have received an update from the Welsh Government’s Economy Secretary, Ken Skates AM, clarifying the latest positions and highlighting the progress being made.

“After facilitating initial meetings, Welsh Government officials have now been in close dialogue with the football club for a number of months, involving Wrexham Council and Glyndwr University into the discussions.

“As I have previously said, the Kop and the adjoining land is key to any future redevelopment and if all the relevant parties continue to work together, I am sure there will be opportunities to maximise the enormous potential of the Racecourse Stadium, ultimately benefiting the club, the town and the entire region.

Wrexham.com understands the university has had early exploratory talks with about purchasing the Wrexham Village flats and some nearby land as they are looking to develop more student accommodation on the Mold Road site.

If Wrexham Glyndwr University was able to purchase the flats it means other land lined up for development would then be freed up for other use – for example further lecture / classroom space. The university plans would not include all the land for sale on Crispin Lane, possibly leaving space for a separate Football Museum sized development.

The football club is of course a tenant of the Racecourse with Wrexham Glyndwr University the landlords, and what has been described as ‘regular dialogue’ is ongoing.

The university is remaining tight lipped on any deal, not yet confirming their interest, with a spokesperson telling us: “The university’s new Campus 2025 strategy outlines the need for more high-quality student accommodation. We are exploring different options at present and our primary focus, as always, is the students.”

While Wrexham took on Halifax on the pitch a delegation had made a trip to Cardiff, giving a presentation to several Assembly Members (pictured above and below), plus other stakeholders including representatives from Wrexham Council.

As we wrote yesterday,  the club said “Presentations by Wrexham club directors will bring to life an ambitious vision for this regionally significant stadium and its potential to kickstart a positive regeneration of this important gateway to the North’s largest town.

“Directors of the club will set out an ambitious vision for the future that would create more jobs and opportunities for the area and attract more people to the town.”

Lesley Griffiths added: “There is still a long way to go but the signs are positive and momentum is gathering. I thank the Cabinet Secretary for his update and I will continue to support Wrexham AFC anyway I can.”