Former Wrexham beauty salon set for conversion into new apartments

A former beauty salon in Wrexham city centre could soon be converted into apartments.

An application has been submitted to Wrexham Council proposing the change of use of the building at 17 Egerton Street.

The three-storey property is described as being off the main thoroughfare and sitting on a back street.

The application notes that many of the former offices within the black and within the vicinity are “either vacant or have already been converted into residential flats.”

Currently the internal layout is made up of five salon rooms on the ground floor and is served by a hallway with a staffroom and reception.

At first floor the internal stairs take you to seven rooms off a corridor that were used as salons or storage in association with the beauty salon business, together with WCs and staff room

However under the plans the former beauty salon will be converted into six apartments – three of which would be on the ground floor and three on the first.

As part of the plans it is proposed to subdivide the ground floor to create three one bedroom apartments with the only external alteration being a bathroom window inserted to replace a door.

On the first floor three one bedroom apartments will be created, with a communal landing serving the apartments.

Each apartment would consist of one bedroom, a bathroom and an open plan living and kitchen space.

Explaining why the plans have been forward the applicants state: “The town centre currently has very few residential properties directly within it, yet town centre living can be an attractive and sustainable option for a wide range of people including young professionals, students and an ageing population.

“With a number of vacant and underused buildings in the town centre there are opportunities for alternative uses.

“A diverse town centre population can help bring life into the town, create passive surveillance, support exiting businesses, an evening economy and new town centre uses that can help add vibrancy to the town.”

“Egerton Street is outside the retail core, the masterplan recognises that the loss of retail space or active ground floor frontages would not be considered detrimental to the vitality and viability of the town centre and alternative uses could be supported – especially when it is acknowledged that these weaker areas may no longer be attractive destinations for such uses (clearly evidenced by the numerous “To Let” boards on many nearby buildings).

The applicants conclude: “The residential use will entail the reconfiguration of the internal space to create apartments, utilising the vacant space that was once occupied by a Beauty Salon Use.

“The proposed change of use to residential does not adversely impact on the amenity of neighbouring properties.

“The proposed use will provide quality residential environment. It will help meet the Borough’s need for one bed accommodation of this type, to meet the needs of individuals and couples needing to live and work in the city.

“The site lies within the town centre and is connected and accessible to rail services, public transport, education, services and facilities.

“It will provide an excellent residential environment for the proposed residents, with no impact on existing neighbours.

“As such the proposed development to change from A1 to C3 is in overall compliance with policies of the Development Plan.

“Accordingly, the Council is respectfully requested to grant planning permission.”

The application will be considered for approval by Wrexham Council at a later date.

Picture: Google Maps