Latest Chapter Court plans to offer ‘new cultural, shopping and leisure experience’

New plans have been entered as part of Wrexham’s Chapter Court development with the promise of a “new cultural, shopping and leisure experience”.

Permission was first granted in June 2020 to redevelop the group of shops in and around Queen’s Square in the town centre.

The scheme, which is inspired by London’s iconic Camden Market, initially faced disruption due to Covid lockdown measures.

However, the first stage of the ambitious project – known as Chapter One – was completed and open for business in spring this year.

Chapter One is situated in the retail units lining Hope Street, Queen Street and Rhosddu Road, with many of them occupied after being refurbished.

The owners of the development have now submitted plans for “Chapter Two”, which will result in the development of a rear courtyard with food and drink outlets and an events space.

Documents accompanying the application to Wrexham Council note the aspirational nature of the proposals, stating: “Wrexham town has long been a focal point for social, commercial and environmental activity in the north of Wales.

“Although the town currently enjoys a strong offering in one area of retail and leisure, it lacks in a more independent nature.

“The traditional centre of town is dominated by discount retailers and in some areas beginning to look tired and unattractive.

“The new aspirational town centre (Queen Square area) plans to fill the identified void in the restaurant sector and the higher quality retail sector.

“The applicant site has seen a downturn in recent years, with lots of retailers moving out of the area to the Eagles Meadow shopping complex in another area of the town.

“This area also competes with other retail parks near to town which offer customers the convenience of free parking, longer opening hours and shops ‘all-under one roof’.

“Chapter Court aims to attract a different type of retailer and therefore add a unique customer offering to the towns current patchwork.”

The application states that “quality” high street retailers will bring a “vibrant, dynamic feel” back to the city centre.

Meanwhile, it’s claimed focussing on smaller, more independent local businesses, will instil “the idea of locality”.

The statement adds: “Creating a ‘micro retail’ and ‘micro food vendor’ space for Wrexham will be the first of its kind in this area.

“With ‘go-to’ places to eat and drink, the development of the rear courtyard will have the ability to host year round events.”

The courtyard development site is currently used as a loading bay, bin store and general parking forecourt that serves Argyle Road, Rhosddu Road, Hope Street and Queen Street.

According to the documents, there are currently 15 units under the applicant’s ownership.

The proposed development consists of a small food court, retail units and an outside entertainment area on the ground floor.

There will also be six larger food/function outlets on the first floor with outside eating areas.

The application adds: “This ongoing and successful dialogue with the Wrexham local authority, has meant progress has already begun within the development.

“With some of the vendors taking up rental space in the internal units of the Queen Street section, the Chapter Court development is already contributing positively to the local community.

“Being able to offer a sought-after space, in a central location, has already meant that local businesses can promote their independent companies, displaying the entrepreneurial spirit of Wrexham.

“The success of this applicant site is directly linked to the success of these other spaces physically, economically and socially.

“Having an external spill out space that supports and balances the dynamic inside retail areas, will serve to extend the reach of the development and in turn the visitors in Wrexham.

“Having been received well by both the authorities and the local business owners, this proposal will build on very solid foundations.”

The proposals will be considered by the council at a later date.