Wrexham’s Henblas Square retail development has moved one step closer to new ownership.

The shopping centre, which has been described in the past as ‘key’ to the town’s image, was put on the market in March by commercial agents Allsop.

A spokesman for Allsop told the Leader on Friday that contracts for the centre had been exchanged and the buyer, a Manchester-based property company which will remain confidential until completion of the sale in July, has put down a 10 per cent deposit on the development.

Town centre forum chairman Nigel Lewis said he was delighted with the news, adding the site was of massive importance to the town

He said: “It is great news, one of the key objectives in the town centre is to get that fully occupied again. It is an eyesore and it has been for some time.

“Getting access via TJ Hughes to Chester Street and the arts hub and getting something in the old BHS unit will transform the town.

“It is the most important site in the town centre and to get it redeveloped is a top priority – on a scale of one to ten, it is a 12.”

Mr Lewis added he would like to see the site brought back into use as a centre for various types of businesses, including large shops, restaurants and possibly some type of leisure offering.

He added: “We’ve got some very nice cafes and restaurants in the town but if we could have more variety it would be excellent.”