Video: Chapter Court hand over takes place – First tenant ‘Rough Hands’ taproom gets keys

The redevelopment of several empty city shops into a multi-use retail, food and drink complex has begun its next chapter.

Work has been well underway for several months on the creation of Chapter Court, which has seen several empty buildings on Queens Square and Queen Street being transformed into multi-use space for traders.

Permission was first granted in June 2020 to redevelop the group of shops in and around Queen’s Square in the town centre.

The scheme, which is inspired by London’s iconic Camden Market, initially faced disruption due to Covid lockdown measures.

However over the last few months work has been ongoing behind the scenes in transforming the former CeX, on Queen Street.

Monday (25 March) saw the keys to the building handed over to Fair Event Management Ltd, which will oversee the day-to-day running of the operation.

The team, which has recently opened an office in the adjoining former, already run multiple major events in Wrexham, including Wrexham Feast, WrexSands and the Wrexham Artisan Market – which will take place on Queens Square on Saturday.

It is hoped that the work of Chapter Court will help complement its city centre events as well as helping small and independent traders take the next step into a retail premises.

Sammi Harris, from Fair Event Management Ltd, explained that the complex will have a focus on promoting Wrexham businesses.

That could be by either trading with a physical premises in Chapter Court or by displaying their products at Indy Square – a new project which aims to help promote small and independent businesses.

Sammi said: “There are so many quality businesses that you don’t realise are there and they’re not quite ready for really big premises and the stress that goes with that while trying to build their business.

“This is supposed to be stress free. We’re going to take the weight off your shoulders and give you an opportunity.

“With running the events and things like that you’re going to feel to the footfall in, so it’s benefiting from both angles.

“From the event point of view the events are getting busier and things can happen outside in the courtyard with the stage area and grassroots music.

“It’s all going to filter through and you’re actually going to get that organic footfall.”

Several units on Queen Street which make-up Chapter Court have already been filled, with CiCi Clothing, Obehi’s – African Community Market and Bevans Jewellery & Watch Workshop already trading.

The current phase of the development has also seen the former CeX building transformed into a bright and airy space which has been divided into several small units for traders.

One of the small business preparing to move in is Rough Hands – a craft ale tap room by Andy Gallanders, owner of Bank Street Social and councillor for Rhosnesni.

With an opening date set for April 13, it is hoped that the launch of the bar will be a catalyst for others traders to move into Chapter Court.

“It’s a really exciting project in the heart of Wrexham bringing to life a property that’s been vacant for a long time, we’re really happy to be here,” said Cllr Gallanders.

“It’s all been designed to help us push forward with business and showcase what Wrexham has got to offer in a – let’s face it a building that’s been shut for a while and repurposed.”

Rough Hands will be open from 11am – 11pm, with plans to eventually move to a seven day a week opening.

The looming launch of the new premises has also led to both Rough Hands and Bank Street Social look to expand their team by taking on more staff.

Similar expansion has also taken place at Fair Event Management Ltd, which has also taken on several new members of staff.

It is hoped that by supporting small and independent traders in Chapter Court then further employment opportunities can be created as businesses begin to expand.

Looking forward to the next stage of the development there are plans to introduce a street food at the rear of the building which aims to help fill a much-needed gap for early evening entertainment and dining opportunities.

Sammi said: “The outside area is going to be like a food court and seating area.

“We’re going to facilitate over the summer looking at how we can utilise that.

“Potentially we’ve got a pop up that we’re going to do out of the back in May where we will have a pop-up bar and street food.

“But it’s a work in progress.”

Cllr Nigel Williams, lead member for economy and regeneration, said: “This is a really exciting time for Wrexham, it’s something different which is what Wrexham needs.

“These sorts of the retail outlets are the way forward.

“It’s really exciting something and individual to bring people into Wrexham to shop.”