Plans to refurbish two markets in Wrexham have received a boost following Welsh Government approval of £2m funding for the Butcher’s Market.
The refurbishment is part of the Wrexham Townscape Heritage Scheme plans and work on this historic part of Wrexham will begin once all the plans and permissions are in place.
Although the pandemic disrupted the development of this project work is now continuing at pace to bring a delivery plan to councillors in the summer.
The Butcher’s Market was opened in 1848 and the General Market in 1879. Neither has had extensive renovation works and Wrexham now looks to the future of both the existing tenants and future tenants to ensure these two markets flourish in the town centre.
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Cllr Mark Pritchard, Leader of the Council, said: “This is excellent news and ensures that work on this important townscape heritage scheme takes place. Our markets are our heritage and the Butchers Market is in need of significant improvement to ensure it remains fit for purpose for many, many more years.”
Cllr Terry Evans, lead member for economy, said: “Whilst the pandemic disrupted our plans for a while we are now working at pace to ensure design proposals will be presented to councillors for approval in June. We have liaised with the existing tenants and will ensure they stay up to date with all our proposals and plans.”
Lee Waters, deputy minister for climate change, said: “We are investing significant amounts of funding through our Transforming Towns Programme to provide town centres like Wrexham with a much-needed boost. As well as providing long sustainability for the town centre, this funding will help to harness important heritage and encourage more people back to the high street.”
The Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns initiative, which is where the funding will from, is committed to addressing the decline in Welsh city and town centres and to ensuring they not only survive but thrive.
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Transforming Towns is focussed on improved biodiversity and green infrastructure; reuse of derelict buildings; increasing the variety of services on offer in towns with an emphasis on flexible working and living space; and access to services and leisure.
The priority is securing the long-term sustainability of towns and city centres in Wales by driving footfall and making them attractive places to spend time.
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