Pictures: Work on Tŷ Pawb remains on track for spring 2018 opening

Work converting one of Wrexham’s former indoor markets into a multi-million pound facility remains on schedule for its grand opening in spring 2018.

Contractors have been on site at Tŷ Pawb (Everybody’s House) in the ex-People’s Market since the start of the year; converting the former market hall into a mixed-use markets and arts space.

Funding for the development has been well documented, despite the frequent confusion / comments online over who funded what and what it could be spent on. As reported previously there has been £700k Vibrant and Viable Places funding from Welsh Government, the Arts Council Wales contributing £2.3 million and Wrexham Council funding £1.5million of the build.

Now new images released by Wrexham Council of the £4.5 million* arts, market and community space, show that individual stall holder areas have been built and partitioned, along with open areas and the main gallery.

Work also progresses on a two-story window and entryway, which will allow access and light into the building from Market Street.

Painting has also started on the exterior of the building, with further renovation work due to start this week.

Once complete the facility will become home to 20 market stalls and three food outlets with open seating into the market space.

The art element of the building will be made up of two gallery spaces, one of which will be climate controlled to allow for a wider variety of exhibitions to be brought to Wrexham. A performance room, flexi/community art space and studio space.

In October 2017 the first batch of events and exhibitions were confirmed:

– Wal Pawb: a large-scale arts installation by artist Katie Cuddon
– Dydd Llun Pawb itself, and a follow-up exhibition showing its success
– “Is This Planet Earth?”: a group exhibition looking at the future of our planet from an environmental viewpoint, brought together by independent curator Angela Kingston
– The return of the Wrexham Open: submissions of artworks are welcomed from anybody, regardless of age or background
– Shiftwork: an exhibition of work by artists from the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) community
– Three touring exhibitions: including high profile displays from the Craft Council and Arts Council Collection. The famous and popular figures featuring in these exhibitions will be announced very soon
– “Weaving Communities” (working title): a living display in the lead up to and during the Craft Council exhibition

The gallery will also be open to exhibition spaces known as “baggy spaces” – during the times between fixed displays and exhibitions, parts of the gallery will be open to community groups or stakeholders to display their own work.

Cllr Hugh Jones, Lead Member for Communities, Partnerships, Public Protection and Community Safety, said: “We know that work at Tŷ Pawb will be very much of interest of the general public, and that people are keen to know what’s going on inside the building while work takes place.

“I’m very pleased to report that work progresses on schedule, and we remain on target for our official opening on Dydd Llun Pawb.”

Last week also saw the official launch of the Tŷ Pawb logo, which has been designed by Cardiff-based branding experts, Elfen.

*The figure quoted throughout the process has been £4.5 million, however recent Wrexham Council releases have listed the figure at £4.2 million. We have queried to see if there has been any changes or mistakes with the funding and will update as and when we know!