Development of Wrexham’s Arts Hub & Market Space to Begin in Five Months

Work transforming one of Wrexham’s largest indoor markets into an Arts and Cultural Hub is on track to begin next year, with tenders being invited to carry out the construction work on the development.

In this month’s Town Centre Forum it was mentioned that the traders in the People’s Market had been issued their six month notices regarding the development. Due to this we enquired to Wrexham Council if an update was possible, and clarification on if the ‘notice’ was a notice to leave / cease leases, or, if it was a notice that the work is due to start.

In the Town Centre Forum meeting it was noted that the ‘Arts Hub’ plan is under a ‘strict budget’ and firm timeframes for the designs and development, and the update provide gives further information on those points.

The plans have previously been seen as controversial locally, with the ‘secret’ business plan revealing the ongoing planned loss, which were subsequently deemed the ‘cost of culture’.

Previously there have been concerns on where the development will leave the traders in the People’s Market, with some fearing that the work would have an ‘adverse impact’ on those who work there.

However details released by Wrexham Council state that: “Council officers are committed to working closely with traders during the construction phase to secure and develop accommodation within the temporary space and also when planning and developing future space within the completed refurbished market.”

The Council say: “The People’s Market will remain fully open and operational during the transition period and traders will be moved across to temporary stalls on the Market Street side of the building.”

Speaking about upcoming development Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities and Partnerships said: “Wrexham Council, along with their partners, are working in consultation with the traders to ensure this transition is as smooth as possible.

“This is really important project for Wrexham, and by working together we can help make sure the development of the People’s Market and Oriel Wrecsam is a real success.

He added: “We also want to remind people that the Market will remain open while work takes place, and we will continue to promote and publicise the market during redevelopment work.”

Cllr Neil Rogers, Lead Member for Regeneration and Economic Development, added: “Everyone is working together to ensure the success of this innovative project which will see investment of £5 million in the market, the arts and the town centre itself.

“The facility will work for the benefit for everyone and it is important that we all work together to accomplish this.”

Work is set to begin in January 2017 and the works are expected to be completed in 2018.

In total the development will receive £5 million of funds from the Welsh Government’s Vibrant and Viable Places, Wrexham Council and the Arts Council of Wales.