Proposals To Convert Town Centre Offices Into Apartments

A number of town centre offices could be converted into 21 studio apartments if planning proposals are approved. 

In an application submitted to Wrexham Council it is proposed that the first and second floor of Trinity House, Trinity Street are converted into 21 studio apartments. The site itself is 11,200sqm in size.

The property was developed during the 1960s and consists of three floors; the ground floor is occupied by a number of shops and the first and second floor (which the planning application focuses solely on) have previously been used as office space.

Speaking about the current use of the top two floors of the building, the application’s Design and Access Statement comments: “The offices on the upper floors have been empty for many years because the Agents have found it impossible to find suitable tenants because of the high costs of town centre office space.”

Few details are provided on the proposed scope of the apartments, however it is noted that no alterations are proposed for the ‘external fabric’ of the property – aside from the removal of a gantry at the rear service area and the extension of a further gantry to create extra space for fire escapes.

A ramped entrance would also be created which would provide ‘accessible entrance for wheelchair users’.

Currently there are four car parking spaces available for the offices – however if proposals are approved, there will be a reduction by one space.

The Design and Access Statement continues onto note: “Being located on Trinity Street the apartments would be most convenient for workers in shops and offices within the town centre.

“Within the development the apartments will all be accessible from the main entrance off Trinity Street. A lift and staircase serves all floors and access to each apartment will be along corridors brightly lit by existing windows overlooking the rear service area.”

The application is expected to go before Wrexham’s Planning Committee at a later date.