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Posted on Monday, August 19, 2024
The General and Butchers Market in Wrexham city centre is undergoing a multi-million dollar makeover and here’s a look at the progress so far.
On Friday we got an exclusive look inside the two buildings, following a video that gave us our first look at the entire construction site back in March. Now, after stripping the market to reveal its bricks, construction work is well underway and the new market is looking like a market again.
The Grade II listed General and Butchers Market is being renovated as part of the Wrexham Townscape Heritage Scheme, which is funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund (thanks to National Lottery Players), the Welsh Government – Towns Transforming Fund and Wrexham County Borough Council’s Capital Programme.
Work on the full refurbishment of both buildings began in the summer, with SWG Construction leading the project on behalf of Wrexham County Council.
More details will be revealed in the coming weeks for prospective traders to tour, see the plans and available packages ahead of the reopening, and decide what they can do in the new space. We’ve heard there has been considerable interest in the refurbished market stalls, as well as interest in a new, attractive restaurant space on the High Street side, which will have separate access from the street. Some of the perimeter stalls have been equipped to serve food and also have exhaust systems and other necessary equipment.
We heard the council is taking a “bold” approach to relaunching the market and hopes to fill the space quickly by offering a diverse and high-quality range for customers.
There will be an application process for all stalls and the new market regulations will commit to consistent opening hours, remove the traditional Wednesday afternoon closure and allow stalls to open six days a week, as well as new standards and appearance requirements for stalls.
A new modern ‘Wrexham Markets’ brand will be launched to encompass the historic market town of Wrexham and ensure consistent promotion across all markets except Ty Pawb.
Councillor Nigel Williams, Wrexham Council’s lead councillor for economy, business and tourism, said of the market: “The market has received significant investment thanks to a variety of funding sources, mainly a Lottery Heritage Grant, which we are really grateful for. The market has been completely transformed; there is a new heating and cooling system and all new shop fronts.”
“This is a really exciting project and one that’s long overdue, so we need lots of new traders to come in to fill it!”
The “grand opening” will likely be sometime in October. “I can’t give you an exact opening date at this point. As you can see, I think the building is nearly 150 years old, so there are still little discoveries to be made and little surprises here and there. So I can’t put a date on it yet, but we’re moving forward with the completion now.”
Councillor Williams urged potential traders and businesses who would like to have a look around the building and find out more information on how to get involved to keep an eye out for formal communication from Wrexham City Council in the coming weeks. “There’s a range of side stalls, from big to really small, perfect for starters, and if you have a business anywhere in Wrexham then maybe you’ll see the beauty of this building and decide to open a second store there.”
Later this month, potential traders will be given the opportunity to visit the new market building and find out more about the trading offer.
Outside the High Street, major works are taking place to change the look and feel of the street, which will see the whole area undergo a transformation.
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