Refurb and apartment plans for submitted for city centre property

A city centre shop could soon be revamped with the upper floors turned into accomodation.

Plans to submitted to Wrexham Council have proposed the refurbishment of 58A Hope Street, which sits at the entrance to the Central Arcade.

Two applications have been put forward by Ainsley Gommon Architects, one for listed building consent and a another for the redevelopment of the property.

The adjacent shop recently underwent similar works to improve the frontage of the arcade.

As part of the plans the ground floor and basement area will be retained for commercial use and undergo refurbishment.

Externally the frontage of the shop front, which is described as being “unsympathetic to the building”, will have an uplift.

This will see the existing fascia board at the front and along the side of the building being removed and the window increased in height.

The plans also include the installation of new decorative gates at the front of the arcade, which will be secured to allow access into the arcade and new flats.

The retail space will be left as an “empty shell” for future occupiers to fit out as appropriate.

As part of the redevelopment of the property the first, second and third floors would be used as a single bedroom apartment with living space.

The applicants state that the first floor is currently “accessed via a ladder through a hatch in the floor and is currently entirely open plan.”

It has been proposed that the building’s staircases are replaced for both the commercial and planned residential use on the upper floors.

The first floor is proposed for use as an open plan kitchen, dining and living room – with a study and bathroom on the second floor.

On the third floor, which is currently “accessed through a small, unsafe staircase through a hatch in the floor”, a new bedroom and staircase will be created.

The applicants add: “Our proposals aim to rationalise the building and create very functional apartments and shop ready for fit out which is suitable for 21st century living.

“The proposals will bring this vacant building into use and future proof it for years to come and historic assets and details of the building will be retained as much as possible.

“Provision has been made to ensure that the building is functional in modern day living, such as a bin storage location for the apartment and commercial space. Cycle storage will be provided for the proposed apartment to the rear of the property.

“As is often the case with converting existing buildings, it has not been possible to provide wheelchair access into the apartment.

“Furthermore, the apartment is spread over three floor to provide the necessary space for the occupant. Providing accommodation to suit needs of all users is always our aim for each project, however, in this instance, it isn’t possible due to working with an existing historic building.

“The historic shop frontage will be retained and where necessary reinstated as part of our application but the shop fit out/ advertisement will not form a part of this particular application.”

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