Weekly market planned to help boost Henblas Street footfall and support traders

A new weekly market is to be trialled in the town centre to help boost footfall and support local, independent businesses.

The market, which will launch on Henblas Street on Saturday 11th November, has been organised by the Wrexham Business Group CIC (Community Interest Company) and local traders with support from Wrexham Council.

Once home to some of the biggest names on the high street, Henblas Street has notoriously been seen as eyesore in the town centre and cited as one of the main causes of the drop in footfall around Queens Square and Chester Street.

Seen as a ‘landmark development’ when it was built back in the late 90s/early 00s, Henblas Square has more recently seen all its high street retailers vacate the site either due to relocation or companies falling into administration.

The final blow to the development was in summer 2016 when Bhs collapsed into administration, leaving one of the site’s largest and most prominent retail units vacant.

Now in a bid to boost footfall in the area, the weekly market has been organised to help support those who are still trading on the street and surrounding areas.

The market will run every Saturday until Christmas and we’re told it will feature crafts, food and activities for people to enjoy.

Sam Regan, Chairman of the Wrexham Town Centre Steering Group and owner of the Lemon Tree, said: “It’s no secret that times are tough for the town centre, but with the closing of BHS and the other units causing a downturn in footfall, it’s even tougher for the existing traders.

“Wrexham benefits from a very supportive and pro-active business community, who work together to get things done. So when we heard that traders were struggling we all came together.

“It’s that alliance that has bought The Henblas Street Saturday Market together, in record time. It’s amazing what a group of like minded individuals can accomplish.”

He continued: “The support has been incredible, Wrexham Council has agreed to support the event by waiving the event fees associated. The Wrexham Business Group have funded promotional signs and posters, and there has been amass of people willing to give up their time to help with a community street clean.

“Please come down and support the event every Saturday from 11th November, and see what brilliant things Wrexham Town Centre has to offer.”

Cllr Terry Evans, Lead Member for Economic Performance and Regeneration, added: “A weekly Saturday market will be held on Henblas Street from November 11, every week leading up to Christmas.

“This will be arranged by local businesses and the Business Group CIC.

“Wrexham Council will support the event, and pay the licence fee and Temporary Events Notice each week.”

In July 2017 Wrexham.com reported that the Henblas Square development had been purchased by Manchester based MCR Property Group.

A statement released after the purchase by Wrexham Council explained that the company had been working alongside the local authority’s Housing and Economy Department since the takeover of the site to look at possible tenants.

At the time a spokesman for MCR said: “The acquisition of Henblas Square is an exciting addition to our ever-expanding retail portfolio.

“As a business, we have a proven track record of re-invigorating distressed assets and working in conjunction with Wrexham Council, we are confident we can provide a mixed-use offering to the area in keeping with the overall Town Centre Masterplan.”

At the moment a pop-up art display is occupying several of the Henblas Square shops – so be sure to pop down, have a look and support local businesses!