ONE of the main gateways into Wrexham town centre could be transformed with plans for almost 40 new apartments.

The proposals would see the first and second floors of a former nightclub on the corner of Brook Street, now known as the Central Buildings, converted into ten apartments.

Meanwhile, a new four storey building housing 28 apartments would be built on a connecting area of land on Bridge Street, which is currently derelict.

The site has been empty since a number of shops were bought and demolished by the Welsh Development Agency in partnership with Wrexham Council in the early 2000s.

According to the company behind the proposals, the development will greatly improve the appearance of the area.

In their planning application, Lingar Homes said: “There is a need for additional housing to be granted, this factor should be given “considerable weight” in the determination of the application.

“The upper floors of the Central Buildings have been vacant for several years, the proposal, therefore, provides a means of finding a new, sustainable, use for the vacant accommodation.

“The remainder of the site has also been vacant and overgrown for some years and would greatly benefit from redevelopment.

“The proposals will maintain the external appearance of Central Buildings, indeed, the renovations proposed will result in its appearance being enhanced.

“The appearance of the vacant site on Bridge Street will also be significantly enhanced through the construction of an attractive new building of appropriate scale in relation to existing properties.”

A consultation was held before the plans were entered which highlighted a number of concerns.

Wrexham Council’s highways department said that the lack of parking proposed could pose a risk to pedestrians and drivers.

At present there are only 20 parking spaces earmarked for the apartments, but the company believes the number will be sufficient.

They said: “The site is in a highly sustainable location where there is every opportunity for residents to access services and facilities without the use of the private car.

“In these circumstances it is clear that the proposed development with a reduced level of parking is one that should be viewed as acceptable, in line with the council’s own policies and approach to parking.”

The proposals will be decided by Wrexham Council at a future date.

Similar plans to convert vacant office space above a row of long-standing empty shops on Henblas Square into 55 apartments will be debated by councillors next week.