Groves Announcement Expected Tomorrow
A statement by Wrexham Council is thought to be due tomorrow, with speculation that the future plans on the site could be away from purely education provision.
Wrexham Council’s administration have long stated the desire for two probably primary schools on the site, however the Grade 2 listing of the building put a spanner in the clear-site plan.
Wrexham.com understands there has been no bid for relevant funding in the 21st Century Schools and Education Capital Programme with the latest funding deadline passing around April time. This could indicate the plans are not firm, or that there could be a delay in executing any developments pushing things into 2019 rather than starting in 2018.
Part of the Groves site is under a covenant defining legally what the land can be used for, with education purposes being the current lock. Previously Council Leader Mark Pritchard called those who set up the covenants ‘visionaries who want to cater for education in the town’ and as recently as last week reiterated the desire ‘The Education Department has always had aspirations to put one or even two schools on this site‘.
Two unnamed Councillors spoke today about how they felt the substance of an announcement could see the covenants on the site challenged to lift or be adapted them allowing a wider use on the site. A new medical centre was mooted by one, however it does not appear Betsi Cadwaladr University Local Health Board have been approached regarding funding such an asset.
Tomorrow will see the likely announcement for the future direction of the site, however any use aside from education could see a return to campaigns over the Groves and requests for wider consultation over the use as the restrictions have been previously pointed to as a reason for no wider option appraisals taking place.
Last week we first reported that Councillor Phill Wynn was planning an announcement this week, with the Labour opposition requesting a consultation over future use.
If it is the case there is an announcement tomorrow, we will of course bring that to you first.
Top pic: Drone shot of the site from 2013.
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