Major plans to expand Wrexham Industrial Estate could boost area’s economy

Major plans to expand Wrexham Industrial Estate could boost the area’s economy and attract new businesses, it’s been claimed.

FI Real Estate Management is currently the biggest landlord on Wales’ largest industrial estate with 500,000 sq ft worth of land.

The company is now aiming to develop a further 38 acres and has entered several applications in order to create three new industrial sites around Clywedog Road North, South and East.

It is also set to consult on plans for a mixed-use development which could cater for a hotel, pub, leisure and retail premises, as well as a scheme to accommodate start-up businesses looking to expand.

A spokesperson for the firm, which currently lets to 62 companies on the estate, said: “Wrexham Industrial Estate is a fantastic example of the opportunities provided by industrial parks today, and it has been a pleasure for our team to help businesses of a wide range of sizes find their home here.

“Our future plans for the site are designed to reflect the changing dynamics of the estate, while also supporting the local business community and our existing tenants who may be looking to grow.

“We look forward to working closely with the council and other local stakeholders to make these plans a reality, and to further drive business growth across Wales.”

The industrial estate was formerly the site of a World War II munitions factory and currently measures at 1,359 acres.

One of the largest industrial estates in Europe, it is home to an estimated 300 businesses along with the £250m HMP Berwyn which opened in 2017.

A consultation was held into FI’s proposals before its applications were submitted. Issues raised included comments about how the road network would cope with the extra traffic.

Addressing feedback received from Wrexham Council’s highways department, planning agents J10 Planning said: “In response to the items raised during the development management order process (DMO), the applicant is happy to confirm that once the applications have been validated any minor issues (mainly associated with highways) will be addressed and, should it be necessary, amendments made to the proposal.

“The applicant considers they have responded positively to all concerns raised by those parties with whom the professional client team have engaged and consulted in accordance with the regulations through the formal DMO process.

“Our conclusion is that there is now nothing to prejudice a positive determination of this application indeed, it is our opinion that suggests the exact opposite.

“The applicant will continue to engage with Wrexham Council, the Abenbury Community Council, the ward councillor and other statutory consultees and interested parties.

“All further and additional comments received as a result of the statutory planning application consultation process will be considered by the applicant and we will reserve our right to respond as appropriate and necessary.”

The proposals will be considered by Wrexham Council at a future date.

By Liam Randall – BBC Local Democracy Reporter (more here on the LDR scheme).

Pictures: FI Real Estate Management