Councillors have unanimously supported ambitious proposals to transform a redundant area into a heritage site.

A report detailing the vision to transform the former iron and steel works site in Brymbo into a new heritage site was presented to councillors at the Executive Board meeting at the Guildhall yesterday.

The plans to turn the Brymbo Heritage Area into what will be named ‘Story Brymbo: A 300 Million Year Journey’ were strongly supported by the attending councillors.

Leader of the council, Cllr Mark Pritchard, said: “We could achieve something special at Brymbo.

“This is a fantastic opportunity to develop a redundant site into a heritage area, and I hope it comes to fruition.

“We already have a world heritage site (the Pontcysyllte Aqueduct and Canal) within Wrexham, but can you imagine us having two? This could grow into something really special for Wrexham.”

When seconding the proposal, Councillor Joan Lowe, said: “This is something that is very important for the Wrexham area.

“It’s quite exciting to see how far down the line they are, but there is still a long way to go and the project is fully deserving of our support.”

Brymbo steelworks closed its doors in 1990 resulting in the loss of more than 1,100 jobs.

Since then, former workers and local history enthusiasts have been working together to explore ways to celebrate its past.

Brymbo Heritage Trust has already secured more than £3m in lottery funding to repair the 1920s machine shop building and create a parkland.

In November, it applied for a combined total of £6.1m to fully realise its ambitions, which include a visitor centre, shop and business units.

Senior councillors were yesterday being asked to show their backing for the scheme known as ‘Stori Brymbo: A 300 Million Year Journey’, which hinges on the approval of £4.1m from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Cllr David Griffiths also spoke of his joy about the area finally gaining something as opposed to losing it. He added: “It’s exciting and sad.

“It’s exciting that somebody has finally picked up the baton and taken this forward to show the world what is there.

“I can’t help thinking about what we’ve lost (in regard to the steelworks), but we’re losing no more. We are now gaining something, and that is down to the hard work of the people that are part of this.”

If the proposals go ahead, ‘Stori Brymbo: A 300 Million Year Journey’ will make positive use of the spaces occupied by the old buildings and structures on the site to create what will be a combined visitor attraction, community facility, commercial space, and learning centre.

The project will also allow the Brymbo Heritage Area to celebrate and explore the 300 million year old Brymbo Fossil Forest through excavations and conservation work, while also allowing the trust to repair and repurpose the 1920 Machine Shop.

Repair and restoration work will also be undertaken on numerous other buildings in the area to create a unique experience worthy of a new heritage site.

Should the funding application be accepted by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Brymbo Heritage Trust may approach Wrexham Council for an interest free loan that would support the cash flow implications of its proposals.

However, these will be considered at a later date if the funding is granted to the project.