Markets refurbishment “should more or less come in on time”, says council leader

The refurbishment of Wrexham’s two historic indoor markets appears on track to be completed on time.

The Grade II-listed General and Butchers markets are being renovated as part of the Wrexham Townscape Heritage Scheme, funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund (with thanks to the National Lottery Players), Welsh Government – Transforming Towns Fund, and Wrexham County Borough Council capital programme.

Work started last summer on a complete refurbishment of both buildings, with SWG Construction leading the project on behalf of Wrexham County Borough Council.

Initial plans showed that once complete the Butchers Market will see the introduction of new layouts for the central stalls in the market hall will improve footfall and orientation around the market, with breakout space provided for demountable food outlet seating.

Perimeter stalls will be extended to provide display space and the roof will be repaired to provide UVA protection to traders and shoppers.

In 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 provision of a new café.

Both markets will benefit from upgraded services, a WiFi network, CCTV, storage facilities, and a new disabled access will be built off the main Butchers market entrance on the High Street.

We asked the leader of the council if the project was still on track for what appeared to be a very ambitious completion date in a few months time.

Cllr Pritchard said: “I was fortunate to go there last week with the Lead Member for Economy.

“It is absolutely fantastic what they’ve done in both of them. I’m really pleased.

“I will use the words ‘might be’ some delays on the front works, the High Street entrance side to the market because they have found some things that they didn’t expect to find when they took all the false ceilings down, they have found some unique fantastic things.

“Individuals have to come in now and look at it.

“There might be a slight delay, I am not saying there will be though. It is one area in one room. The rest of it should more or less come in on time, the project manager has done very well, and I am pleased with that.”

You can view our visit in mid-March looking inside the project: