Discovery during renovations
The Old Library on Queens Square will shortly reopen as a creative industries hub after a multi-million pound grant funded refurbishment.
During renovations, a mosaic mural was discovered on the stairwell of the building.
Likely not seen for decades the artwork was carefully cleaned and restored and will provide a colourful link to buildings past as well as having provided inspiration for the logo and branding that will be used in promoting the Grade II listed building to become a focal point and hub for the creative industries both locally and further afield.
Heritage meets creativity
The Old Library is more than a building, it is a space where heritage meets creativity, and where history inspires innovation. The new brand created by the WCBC design team is rooted in the rich architectural and cultural legacy of the Old Library and reflects the textures, tones, and stories embedded in its walls.
The logo and modular graphics including blog and podcast icons, film reels and cameras have been thoughtfully designed to reflect the vibrant, multifaceted nature of the Old Library creative hub opening soon in the heart of Wrexham.
Creative and cultural ambitions
The Old Library creative hub was developed after the Wrecsam2025 City of Culture bid and will play an important and exciting role in the Wrecsam2029 UK City of Culture bid campaign.
Wrexham has a diverse and well established creative scene and this new facility will further support the development of this sector.
Winning the 2029 title would be transformational for Wrexham’s cultural infrastructure. This new creative hub will help support businesses to achieve their ambitions and strengthen our Wrecsam2029 City of Culture bid.
Leader of Wrexham Council and Lead Member for Assets Cllr Mark Pritchard said
“On 15th February 1907 the library originally opened at a cost of £4,300 donated by Philanthropist Andrew Carnegie on a parcel of land secured by the council.
“The Old Library will shortly reopen after a multi-million pound grant funded refurbishment and will become a focal point and hub for the creative industries both locally and further afield.
“The refurbishment of this prominent city centre building is as a reminder of our past, whilst also serving our ambitions to attract high quality and creative businesses to Wrexham.”
I would like to thank Welsh Government who financed the project through the Transforming Towns regeneration programme as well as the UK Governments Shared Prosperity fund and the National Lottery Heritage Fund
Lead Member for Economy and Regeneration Cllr Nigel Williams said
“The grant funding has allowed us to transform this historic building and underused asset into what will become a thriving Creative Hub that benefits the city and ensure it contributes towards the delivery of the city and the region’s strategic vision & objectives.
“The Old library will be flexible, energy-efficient, creative hub that mixes culture, technology and sustainability and provide a city centre base for entrepreneurs and businesses from the creative industry sector.”
