WREXHAM’s arts scene remains in ‘good health’ despite the closure of one of its main music venues, according to a leading figurehead.

The owners of the Live Rooms on Hill Street, which was formerly known as Central Station, announced its closure on Monday because of financial pressures.

The decision came only a short time after the rebranded venue reopened in December with a sold out gig by former Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys.

The move, which was announced in the year it was meant to mark it’s 20th anniversary, has been greeted with shock by music fans, bands and promoters in the town.

However, Wrexham Council’s chief executive has insisted that the local arts scene is still as strong as ever.

Ian Bancroft, who led a debate on the future vision for the area at the Tŷ Pawb arts hub last week, said: “I think Central Station has done a tremendous job over the years and it’s really sad to see it go, but in no way does it indicate that we have issues with the development of our music and our arts scene.

“I think it is one of the things we should be really proud of here and it is in a healthy state.

“What you see with the music scene and the arts scene is it will change and it will regenerate, so this isn’t the end of music and the arts in Wrexham.

“Having chaired the event in Tŷ Pawb last week and talking about the assets that Wrexham has, one of the things that really came out is how many young artists we have and how many entrepreneurs that are linked to the arts scene.

“I think it’s evolving and it’s hard for those sorts of places to sustain themselves now.

“However, we have a wealth of individuals who have a different platform, whether it’s YouTube or other places, to promote themselves on.”

Central Station was originally shut in September 2018, before being rebranded as a sister venue to The Live Rooms in Chester.

It will close its doors for the final time on Saturday with an announcement expected in the next few days regarding shows which have already been booked.

In a statement published on the company’s Facebook page, a spokesperson said: “Unfortunately it’s with a heavy heart that we have to announce that as of February 9 the venue will be closing its doors for the very last time.

“Like many other venues up and down Wales in recent years, the crippling financial pressures involved in running a grassroots new music venue without external support has made it extremely challenging and unfortunately it has become unsustainable for us to carry on.

“If you want to come and say goodbye to the venue, this weekend will be the last chance.

“It’s been an absolute pleasure putting on the shows, and a lot of fun – hopefully you’ve enjoyed them too.”