Plans for new digital signage to “promote local businesses” set for approval

Plans to install two digital signage boards in Wrexham city centre could be approved next week.

It has been proposed that a 65 inch poster is installed on Hope Street – near to Boots Opticians – while another of the same size would replace an existing city centre map on Lord Street.

The two separate applications, which have both been recommended for approval, will be discussed by members of Wrexham Council’s planning committee on Monday 4 December.

The plans have been submitted by Wrexham Council as part of its Placemaking Plan.

Although several are located around the city centre, these boards and what they display will be controlled by the local authority.

They aim to help promote local businesses and offers to visitors to the city centre.

The double sided boards are described as being weather proof, easy to maintain and vandal proof. ‌​‌‌​​​‌‍‌​‌​‌‌‌​‍‌​‌​‌‌​​‍‌​​‌‌‌‌​‍‌​​​​‌‌​‍‌​‌​‌​‌‌‍‌​​‌​‌‌‌‍‌​​‌‌​‌​‍‌​​​​‌‌​‍‌​‌‌‌‌‌​‍‌​​​‌‌​‌‍‌​​‌‌​‌​‍‌​‌​‌​‌‌‍‌​​‌​‌‌‌‍‌​​‌​‌‌​‍‌​​‌‌​‌​‍‌​​​‌​​‌‍‌​​‌‌​‌​‍‌​​​‌‌​​

They also include an “integrated Android media player”, which will allow the user to update on-screen content via a USB plug and play. ‌

No objections have been submitted for either application.

However the council’s highways department has requested a condition to “prevent the sign causing dazzle to users of the highway.”

In a report due before councillors on Monday, Wrexham Council’s chief planning officer, said: “The proposed sign would be used to display digital posters that will advertise and market local businesses, including special offers to help increase business activity within the City Centre.

“The proposed location in Lord Street has been chosen because it occupies a central location within the City Centre.

“It would occupy a prime location near the bus station and would replace the existing town location map.

“There is a high volume of footfall in this location which would help maximise interest from passing trade and hopefully attract and direct customers to the local businesses that are advertised.

“The proposed location is also close to the necessary infrastructure to enable it to operate effectively (internet connection and electric supply).”

Similar comments have been made about the planned board on Hope Street, which is also near the necessary infrastructure and sees a large amount of footfall.

The plans will be discussed by members of Wrexham Council at a meeting on Monday 4 December at 4pm. The meeting will also be webcast on the Wrexham Council website.

Picture: Wrexham Council Planning Documents