New images reveal how Wrexham’s indoor markets could look after undergoing refurb

Plans to revitalise Wrexham’s historic indoor markets have been submitted for planning approval and Listed Building Consent.

The long-awaited refurbishment and ‘regeneration‘ of the Butchers and General Market includes new layouts, a WiFi network, CCTV, improved storage facilities and flexible space.

In July members of the executive board approved a large investment for the Grade II-listed markets.

Proposed Butchers Market interior © Lawray Architects

Plans for the two buildings have now been submitted by Wrexham-based Lawray Architects, which have been appointed by Wrexham Borough to develop proposals “in response to the vision outlined in Wrexham’s Townscape Heritage Scheme.”

Lawray Architects say the plans seek to remodel the markets to provide opportunities to accommodate a wider variety of traders, creating a flexible space for the markets.

As part of the refurbishment works entrances to the Butchers Market will be ‘enhanced’ to draw people into the market building and improve connectivity with the town centre.

Proposed Butchers Market interior © Lawray Architects

A basement will be created for trader storage under the 1880 Jacobean-style main entrance on the High Street.

The introduction of new stairs and a lift will enable traders to move items between the market and the basement, whilst also allowing for the creation of a rentable double-vaulted first floor space that will have newly-introduced views into the main market hall.

Options to extend units either side of the entrance into the High Street have also been proposed.

Proposed Butchers Market interior © Lawray Architects

New layouts for the central stalls in the market hall will improve footfall and orientation around the market, with breakout space provided for demountable food outlet seating.

Perimeter stalls will be extended to provide display space and the roof will be repaired to provide UVA protection to traders and shoppers.

In the General Market the central stall layout will be changed to “improve circulation” with flexible units for tenants.

The existing historic outer units will be refurbished, and the hall will be redecorated along with the provision of a new café.

Both markets will benefit from upgraded services, a WiFi network, CCTV, storage facilities, and a new disabled access will be built off the main Butchers market entrance on the High Street.

Proposed General Market Interior © Lawray Architects

The markets internal space is being redesigned to provide flexible space to improve the use of the indoor markets along with boosting the local economy.

David Hughes, Director of Lawray Architects said “We are proud of the many award-winning contributions we have made to Wrexham’s built environment over the last 40 years and are pleased to support the Authority’s initiatives to revitalise the town.

“We see the re-imagining of the town’s markets as integral to that aim and are delighted to be entrusted with preserving and re-invigorating these significant buildings, releasing, and realising their potential for future generations”.

The plans will be considered for approval by Wrexham Council’s Planning Committee at a later date.