Historic Wrexham pub branded ‘tired and dated’ could undergo refurbishment

A historic Wrexham pub which has been described as looking “tired and dated” could be about to undergo a major refurbishment.

The Long Pull, also known as the Old Vaults, has been based on Chester Street in the town centre since the mid-19th century.

The Grade-II listed pub was once featured in a Sky One documentary called “The Toughest Pubs in Britain”.

However, its fortunes recently took an upturn after it was named the joint-best establishment in town in a competition run by Wrexham MP Sarah Atherton.

The building now looks set be transformed following the submission of a planning application.

The proposals would result in the “complete refurbishment” of the ground floor of the pub, according to documents entered with Wrexham Council.

Planning agents said it would help to improve the viability of the business, with some structural changes outlined.

In a statement, they said: “The purpose of the proposals is clearly to bring what appears to be a tired and dated public house up to modern hospitality standards in order to provide for a secure and viable commercial future.

“The principle of the proposals is considered to be acceptable and broadly beneficial in terms of carrying out necessary improvements to a commercial building in order to improve viability.

“The proposals are intended to secure the medium-term future of the building.

“The proposals are considered to be causative of minor harm, but such harm is decisively outweighed by the overall benefits when considering the building’s comparative significance.”

The proposals would result in more space being created for the pub’s customers, including a larger bar area, along with the demolition of a structural wall.

New toilets would also be built, with the empty upper floors due to be redecorated and brought back into use as living accommodation.

Meanwhile, repairs will be carried out the building’s roof following significant leaks and the outside of the property will be repainted.

A decision will be made on the application by the local authority at a later date.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter