Co-op’s plans to relocate Wrexham town centre store to bus station given the go ahead

The Co-op has received the go ahead to move a store in Wrexham town centre into the nearby bus station as part of a £650,000 investment.

The retailer previously revealed it wanted to relocate the existing branch on Lord Street a short distance over the road into a unit which was formerly occupied by a bar.

Set the Bar closed its doors in late 2018 after business owner Fern Evans moved to Llangollen to open a vegan bistro.

Work has already underway to convert the inside of the building with the new store expected to open next month.

The final details have now been agreed after Wrexham Council approved proposals for advertising signs to be installed, along with new refrigeration and air conditioning machinery on the roof terrace.

The Co-op said the new branch would run on 100 per cent renewable electricity.

With its location at the town’s bus station, it said the new larger store would better serve the local community including shoppers and commuters.

In a statement issued to the Local Democracy Reporting Service in August, John Hillman, Co-op’s Acquisition Manager in Wales, said: “We are delighted to have the opportunity to make such a significant investment in Lord Street to better serve the community.

“We are always on the look-out for new locations where we can operate at the heart of local life and create a truly compelling and convenient offer for the community.”

The Co-op said all staff at the current store would be relocated to the new unit as part of the move.

The plans were given approval by council officers using delegated powers.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter