WREXHAM Council has secured £1.52 million from the National Lottery for the Townscape Heritage Scheme.

The Townscape Heritage Scheme (THS) is to target key buildings within the conservation area of the town centre for regeneration and renovation, with a view to restoring their more prominent and attractive heritage features, and bringing them back into economic use.

A spokesperson for the council, said: "Thanks to National Lottery players, grants are now available for property owners/lease holders (with a minimum of 10 years remaining on the lease) on these target buildings.

"The grant funding looks to renovate some of the older buildings in THS boundary area and to restore, the architectural and historical interest of the buildings, and improve those things which make them architecturally unique."

The council stated that the THS will provide an excellent opportunity for local workforces to train and gain relevant upskilling through the contracts delivered through the programme by linking in with the traditional building skills programme, and ensuring that there is a skilled workforce able to take on heritage work locally and regionally into the future.

The traditional building skills programme has received funding through the Welsh Government Rural Communities – Rural Development Programme 2014-2020, which is funded by the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development and the Welsh Government.

Cllr Terry Evans, lead member for economic development and regeneration, added: "This is excellent news both for the regeneration area within the town centre and local trades people who will be able to ensure that traditional building skills are not lost.

"My thanks go to the National Lottery for the funding and also to the officers involved in securing this large amount of money."

To arrange a meeting, or an informal discussion or to obtain further information, contact THS@wrexham.gov.uk.