Images teased for Wrexham regen
The former Hippodrome site, Henblas Street, and Chester Street are in line for an overhaul backed by Wrexham AFC co-owner Rob Mac, as the City of Culture 2029 bid takes shape.
A consultation process was carried out earlier this year through a series of drop-in sessions, looking to shape the vision for a site expected to play a major role in the City of Culture bid.
Wrexham Council is working with Rob Mac’s More Better business on the project.
The Transforming Towns fund is expected to fund works. Credit: Wrexham Council
Although final sign-off is yet to be secured, full funding for the project is expected to come from the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns programme. Since its launch in 2020, the TT fund has allocated £484m in grant and loan funding to support regeneration across Wales.
Projects to benefit include a creative hub at the Old Library on Queen Square in Wrexham, where a £2.9m grant supported a scheme including studios, rehearsal space and pop-up retail.
As can be seen in the images provided to Place North West by the council, the plans for the Hippodrome site and the public realm linking to it could include stepped terracing, fountains, refreshed paving, planting, and seating.
Cllr Nigel Williams, Wrexham Council’s lead member for economy, business and tourism, said: “After lots of consultation with the public, I’m pleased to be able to show the latest plans.
“This is the next exciting chapter in Wrexham city centre’s regeneration and will be transformational.
“We will be continuing the theme of using the same paving as the High Street along Henblas Street and Chester Street with the addition of additional trees and green spaces.
“The old Hippodrome site will be a huge asset to the city centre and our bid for City of Culture 2029. It will feature tiered seating, trees and landscaping, a large outdoor screen and water feature which I’m sure will be a big draw for families.”
New paving will be introduced. Credit: Wrexham Council
The Hippodrome cinema closed in 1998, and was ruined by fire ahead of its approved demolition, with the site being cleared and boarded off more than 15 years ago.
The “Parks & Wrex” plan advanced by Rob Mac saw interest revived in the site, although more attention has understandably been focused on goings-on at the football club.
Covered throughout the planning and procurement process by Place, contractor McLaren started work in December on the Populous-designed 7,750-capacity Kop in December, the start of the new season showing the progress made on a project that will elevate the STōK Cae Ras stadium to a tier where it can accommodate a higher grading of fixture on the UEFA scale.
Wrexham’s Kop is rising. Credit: Matt Wright
