NEW life could be breathed into the former site of Wrexham's Hippodrome cinema.

A consultation has been launched ahead of proposals being submitted to create two new retail units on Henblas Street in the town centre, with 13 apartments above them.

The old cinema was destroyed by fire in 2008 and later cleared after it originally closed its doors in 1997, and the land has sat vacant ever since.

Now Hindle Property Investments Ltd is planning to redevelop the area, which was bought at auction for £98,000 back in February.

The Leader:

The site of the old Hippodrome in Wrexham

In a planning statement, they said: "The application site is in a prominent and central location within Wrexham town centre and has been vacant for many years.

"The proposal, which is for the construction of two no. retail units with 13 no. studios/apartments, provides the opportunity to re-energise the site and inject investment into the town centre.

"The submission of the planning application follows positive pre-application discussions with the local authority.

"Given its prominent location it is clearly evident that the site would benefit from a scheme of improvement and regeneration."

The former public hall and theatre was built in 1909 and became a cinema in 1929.

In June 2008 a major fire caused extensive damage to the building and the theatre was demolished in April 2009.

It was previously the subject of planning approval for new retail units, which has now lapsed.

Last month, proposals were also revealed to regenerate the deserted Henblas Square shopping centre opposite the site, with plans for more than 50 apartments.

Manchester-based MCR Property has submitted an application to turn offices on the first floor of the multi-million pound development, where all but one shop currently sits vacant, into 55 apartments.

The plans for the Hippodrome site are open for comments as part of a consultation running until October 4, 2018.

In a design and access statement, the company added that the proposed development would make a 'respectful and high-quality' addition to Wrexham.

They said: "Several opportunities have been identified whist considering the proposed development at the former Hippodrome site.

"The proposal demonstrates the creation of a high-quality residential environment integrating the proposal within the wider existing community.

"The proposal also demonstrates a desire to provide additional retail space within the town centre to help boost the local economy."

A planning application will be formally submitted once the consultation comes to a close, at which point feedback can be sent directly to Wrexham Council.

You can view the proposals by visiting http://martinplanning.com/consultations.html