THE HISTORIC secrets of Wrexham’s Butchers Market are being uncovered during a major renovation project - with some original features incorporated into the refurbishment.
The Grade II-listed General and Butchers markets are being refurbished as part of the Wrexham Townscape Heritage Scheme.
It is being funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund (with thanks to the National Lottery Players), Welsh Government – Transforming Towns Fund, and Wrexham Council's capital programme.
Work started in the summer on a complete refurbishment of both buildings, with SWG Construction leading the project on behalf of Wrexham Council.
Josh Coleman, commercial director of SWG Construction, said work was going well - with several interesting features being uncovered.
He said: “We have been making good progress, with the mechanical and electrical first fix nearing completion in the Butchers Market, along with new perimeter stall ceilings and stud walls being installed.
“During the excavation work in the Butchers Market, the archaeologists discovered a wall which was documented before the excavation was backfilled, as well as various historic shopfronts which had previously been covered up.
“These are now being incorporated in refurbishing the new shop fronts. An original stone staircase has also been uncovered to the first-floor vaulted room. This is all being left in place and will be on view when the market reopens.
“Perimeter stalls in the Butchers Market are now being boarded and walls and ceilings being plastered over the coming weeks.
"Specialist stonemasons are repairing the façade and chimney on the High Street elevation.
“In the General Market, we are now decorating and installing steel and timber boarding. It’s really coming together and both markets will look great when they are reopened.”
Built in 1878, the General Market's structure remains sturdy and has been completely stripped of all internal materials.
There will be new stalls of which the building can hold approximately 15 units, both permanent traders and temporary 'pop-ups' for those starting a new business. It will also feature a new cafe.
Traders have temporarily relocated to several units in Queen's Square while the work is being carried out. Many will return to their former units with new additions to be revealed nearer the time.
The garish yet iconic red paint will be replaced by a neutral sage green which will run through the General and Butchers Market buildings.
Inside the Butchers Market, Tracey's Cafe which is always packed with customers will be relocating to a new unit inside which will still be accessed via Henblas Street even when the market is closed for half days on a Wednesday and Sunday. This is to encourage as much trading as possible.
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Councillor Nigel Williams, Wrexham Council’s lead member for economy and regeneration, said: “Wrexham is riding the crest of a wave at the moment thanks to a growing global profile, and is welcoming more and more visitors from all over the world. This is a really exciting time for the city.
“So it’s vital that we continue to nurture and invest in these important city centre spaces. The markets are an integral part of Wrexham’s past and present, and will be just as important in the future.
“SWG is making good progress with the renovation work, and I’m looking forward to seeing the project completed later this year.”
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