The restoration of the Old Library has received a commendation at the Wrexham Civic Society Award (WCSA)…
Friday, November 14, 2025, marked the start of a new chapter for Yr Hen Lyfrgell/The Old Library building, located in the Heart of Wrexham.
Originally paid for by the Scottish American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie on a plot of land provided by Wrexham Council, the Old Library was first opened at a cost of £4,300 on Friday 15, 1907 by then Wrexham Mayoress Mrs Edward Hughes and Sir Foster H.E. Cunliffe.
The building served as a library until the early 70’s when it was replaced by the new library on Llwyn Isaf. The building until recently serving as a base for the council’s IT department.
In April 2024 it was announced that Yr Hen Lyfrgell / The Old Library would receive significant refurbishment and developed into a Creative hub.
Grant funding from the Welsh Government Transforming Towns Fund and Shared Prosperity Fund allowed Wrexham Council to transform this historic old library building and underused asset into what will become a thriving creative hub that benefits the city, whilst ensuring it contributes towards the delivery of the city and the region’s strategic vision & objectives.
WCBC’s vision was to create a flexible, energy-efficient, creative hub that mixes culture, technology and sustainability led by purpose driven organisations, entrepreneurs and businesses from the creative industry sector.
During the renovations there were several interesting finds including a mosaic that had been hidden from view for many decades.
Commenting on the commendation a WCSA spokesperson said the multi-million-pound transformation of the Old Carnegie Library represents a flagship conservation and regeneration scheme, turning a vacant, grade II listed building into a thriving centre for creative industries sector.
It’s an ambitious project that has carefully blended heritage preservation, community engagement, and forward-thinking design, ensuring the buildings legacy is safeguarded while securing its long-term future.
Cllr Nigel Williams, Lead Member for Economy, Business and Tourism, said: “The Wrexham Civic Society Awards recognise the hard work behind the scenes in not only protecting our historic buildings but also ensuring that these buildings have an important impact and role in community life for generations to come.
We would not have been able to accomplish this without significant funding from UK and Welsh Government and special thanks to National Lottery Players, as well as the tireless attention to detail from our officers and external partners.”
