Chapter Court’s “exciting vision for the redevelopment of the town centre” given the go ahead

Ambitious plans to start a new chapter in Wrexham’s retail and leisure offering has been given the go ahead.

At the start of the year Wrexham.com reported that plans had been formally lodged for the Chapter Court’ scheme, which includes the redevelopment of the block of shops in the Argyle Street, Queens Square, Queens Street and Hope Street area.

Described by the applicants as a “micro retail and micro food court”, the development aims to “attract national high street retailers back to the original end of town and attract smaller, more independent local businesses.

Documents released ahead of the first planning meeting since March on Monday, show that the plans were approved by the council’s chief planning officer in April via delegated powers – without the plans going before a committee.

Plans for the site have been mooted for the last 12 months, with signage for the proposed redevelopment on display on several of the shops which involved the redevelopment since late 2019.

Details provided in the original planning documents show a revamp of the block of shops, with the current loading area at the back of the Town Square building will be turned into an “external open air courtyard that will hold various year round events”.

Connecting to this area will be the creation of with three arcades and new entrances from Hope Street, Queens Street and Queens Square.

The Queens Street Arcade will see the old CEX, GBC and Warren James stores used to create a “micro retail arcade”. This will link Queens Street to the courtyard.

A similar entrance would be created on Queens Square by utilising the former Jeff Furniture store and hairdressers.

On the first floor the applicants say there will be various uses such as bars, restaurants, studio spaces and offices all of which have break out areas that link back into the court yard through the use of a walkway.

At the time the plans were submitted, the applicants for the development said: “From its inception a consistent theme throughout the Chapter Court project has been that it must serve the needs and meet the aspirations of the people of the town as part of the wider masterplan for the regeneration of the town centre.

“It is Wrexham’s Council’s belief, together with that of its consultant team, that the proposals contained in the application and explained in this Planning, Design and Access Statement provide an exciting vision for the redevelopment of the town centre, derived through a robust and inclusive process.

“The proposals will make a positive contribution to the town centre and help to bring a new level of vibrancy and activity to the town.”

Councillor Marc Jones, who represents the Grosvenor ward which covers part of the town centre, said the development is in an important part of revamping the area.

He said: “The owners of Chapter Court have kept me in the loop with their proposals at every step and it’s good to hear they’ve had the go ahead to redevelop the site.

“I think this is an important part of revamping the town centre and will offer something new.

“This, together with new restaurants opening in the high street and ambitious plans to improve heritage buildings, is a vote of confidence in our town centre.

“There are massive challenges in coming out of lockdown but the Wrexham Revival is well and truly under way.”