Former Council Office Closer to Community Ownership

A community group has moved a step closer to it’s goal of bringing a former council building in Chirk back into use to provider services for local people.

Wrexham Council’s Executive Board are being asked to support the Glyn Wylfa Development Trust (GWDT) as it tries to bring the former estate office in Chirk into community ownership.

They will receive £32,00 in first phase funding through the Community Transfer Asset Fund programme, which is a partnership between the Big Lottery fund and the Welsh Government that aims to provide both capital and revenue funding to support the transfer of assets, such as land and buildings, from public sector organisations to community ownership.

In her report to members Rebeccah Lowry, Economic Development Manager, asks them to agree to the principle of granting GWDT a 25 year lease of the building on a peppercorn rent and agree to loan £18,000 to the Trust as part of the second stage of their funding application.

The Trust hope to bring the building back into use to provide commercial and community activities and services to Chirk.

They are also aiming to provide a tourism boost by becoming a key facility for visitors to the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal World Heritage Site by providing car parking, a cafe, toilet facilities and visitor information.

Lead Member for Regeneration and Corporate Governance, Cllr Rodney Skelland, said:

“I welcome this report which is excellent news for the community of Chirk. We are committed to developing the tourism benefits that the World Heritage Site brings and this is one way of showing that commitment.

“I hope members agree and approve the report to allow the project to go to the next stage.”