£3.3 million regeneration of Wrexham Markets set for green light to create “perfect market quarter”

The next stage of the long-promised regeneration of Wrexham’s two indoor markets looks set to be backed by councillors.

Plans to rejuvenate and invest in the historic Butchers and General Markets buildings have been on the cards for several years.

However after proposals by a Task and Finish Group in 2020 were given the go ahead by senior councillors, the redevelopment was put on hold due to the pandemic.

On Tuesday (12 July) executive board members will approve a “delivery and sustainability” plan, which will allow for works to begin at the two markets – but it is important to stress has not commenced – and the markets are open for business as normal.

Councillors will also be asked to give permission for Cllr Nigel Williams, lead member for economy and regeneration, to enter negotiations for leasehold arrangements to secure a “decant option” for the traders which allows for the refurbishment of the indoor markets to take place.

The plans for the two markets includes:-

• Newly refurbished Victorian traditional markets;
• The opportunity to attract a wider choice of trader;
• Increased dwell time and footfall in the town centre;
• Diversification and strengthening of the evening economy;
• Avoidance of closure and business interruption due to disrepair; and
• Safeguarding the heritage assets/listed buildings and ensuring they are not buildings at risk

Construction work is expected to last for 12 months and during that time traders will occupy another premises in the town centre.

This detail is provided in a part two report – which is not available to view for the public or the media – which will also be considered by the executive board at the meeting.

However traders have reportedly been given assurances from the council that the “decant” to an alternative premises would not have “a negative impact on Christmas trade” with WCBC earmarking a large town centre space.

The Butchers Market will be made up of eight island stalls, which the sustainability report says can be “linked together” to create a larger unit for traders.

A cafe with its own entrance off Henblas Street will be situated in the main market area, along with the creation of a first floor restaurant overlooking the market with its own access off High Street.

Funding for the refurbishment of Wrexham markets comes from a variety of sources including Wrexham’s Townscape Heritage Scheme. All funding sources have been secured for the refurbishment of the 2 indoor markets.

The sustainability report says that this entrance to the new eatery “is located conveniently where the majority of the night time economy is based making it an excellent entrance for the newly planned restaurant that will have its own entrance separate to the market, allowing it to open outside of the market hours.”

20 flexible use perimeter stalls will also be available, along with trader storage in the basement area.

In the General Market there will be eight island stalls, what is described as “two hanging spaces” and six perimeter stalls – which will include a cafe.

The refurb of the of the two markets, along with their proximity to Ty Pawb and the new Hippodrome site are described as offering a a “perfect market quarter.”

The report states that “post-completion, the markets are expected to see improved occupancy rates, reducing the absorption of Service Charge costs by the Council for void stalls and improving viability.”

It is also proposed that the same approach is taken to rents following the refurbishment works, as when Tŷ Pawb opened.

This includes a 20% discount on rent in the first year, 10% discount in rent in the second and full rent in the third and onwards.

This month’s executive board will take place at a different time of 2pm on July 12 – due to the Queen’s Dragoon Guards homecoming. As usual the meeting will be webcast live on the Wrexham Council website.

You can read the formal reports before councillors here on the agenda page, along with all the other business for the Executive Board.