Next stage of redevelopment works at “Hope Street” Christian community project begins this week

The next stage of the re-development of the town’s former Burton’s store into a twenty-first century centre for Christian worship and service, begins this week.

“Hope Street” which is due to open in Autumn 2020 will undergo repairs to the façade and windows in keeping with the building’s original design.

A new shop front will be made onto Hope Street and a second entrance will be created from Tower Hill, which will see a lift installed and a new staircase to enable people to reach every floor from street level.

The Simmonds Group, founded by Wrexham man, Phil Simmonds, has been appointed by the Diocese of St Asaph to carry out all the external works and access improvements to the 1930s building.

To carry out this work, scaffolding will be erected around the building on Sunday and a small compound created around the site. Full access to neighbouring shops and buildings on Hope Street and Tower Hill will be maintained at all times.

All the work designed by Wrexham based Lawray Architects, follows planning approval for the modifications of the external features and a change of use application to Wrexham County Borough Council.

The new leader of Hope Street, Rachel Kitchen said: “It’s really exciting to see the building beginning to take shape to realise our vision for Hope Street. We’ve been working with planners and architects to ensure the building is restored to create a modern space for Christian service to the town and beyond, which also enhances its original features.

“Finishing touches are being put to the internal design which will include plenty of exposed brick and steelwork, giving it a light, airy and contemporary feel.

“The ground floor design includes a kitchen and a flexible refreshment area for community events plus a contemporary prayer space which we hope will be a quiet oasis for people. The first floor will offer flexible children’s/seminar rooms, staff offices and shower/toilet facilities. The top floor will be converted in a worship and event space with seating for approximately 180 people.

“We’re hugely excited about the launch of Hope Street which we anticipate will be at the end of September.”

Hope Street was the first project to receive funding from the Church in Wales’ Evangelism Fund and is being created in partnership with the Church Revitalisation Trust, which has a track record of starting and growing churches.

Three members of staff have already been appointed to the Hope Street team and recruitment is currently underway for an Operations Manager.

Further information about Hope Street is available on it’s dedicated website.