Lawray’s plans to revitalise Wrexham’s indoor markets given the go ahead
Ambitious plans to revitalise Wrexham’s Grade II listed historic indoor markets at the heart of Wrexham Town Centre have been granted planning approval and listed building consent. Both markets contribute a significant amount of character and heritage value to Wrexham’s Town Centre, providing links to the historical development of Wrexham through trade and industry.
Ambitious plans to revitalise Wrexham’s Grade II listed historic indoor markets at the heart of Wrexham Town Centre have been granted planning approval and listed building consent. Both markets contribute a significant amount of character and heritage value to Wrexham’s Town Centre, providing links to the historical development of Wrexham through trade and industry.
Lawray’s proposals submitted on behalf of Wrexham Council will see the General and Butcher’s markets modernised to provide opportunities to accommodate a wider variety of traders, creating a flexible space for the markets. Plans include new layouts for both markets, a WiFi network, CCTV and improved storage facilities.
Butchers Market
In the Butchers Market the perimeter stalls will be extended to provide extra display space, whilst the central stalls will be rearranged to “improve footfall and orientation” around the building.
There will also be a new breakout space in the centre of the market for demountable food outlet seating.
A basement will be created for trader storage under the 1880 Jacobean-style main entrance on the High Street, along with new stairs and a lift to allow traders to move items between the two floors. The creation of a rentable double-vaulted first floor space will also be created that will give newly introduced views into the main market hall.
Externally the entrances to the Butchers Market will be “enhanced” to create better connectivity with the town centre, and provide new disabled access that will be created off the High Street.
General Market
At the General Market the central stall layout will be changed to “improve circulation” with flexible units for tenants. The existing historic outer units will be refurbished, and the hall will be redecorated along with the addition of a new café.
The proposals will provide a better environment for traders and a vibrant, diverse, and convenient place to shop, expanding Wrexham’s destination offer, whilst being a catalyst for the continuing commercial investment and regeneration within Wrexham town centre.
David Hughes, Director of Lawray Architects said “We are proud of the many award-winning contributions we have made to Wrexham’s built environment over the last 40 years and are pleased to support the Authority’s initiatives to revitalise the town. We see the re-imagining of the town’s markets as integral to that aim and are delighted to be entrusted with preserving and re-invigorating these significant buildings, releasing, and realising their potential for future generations”.