As part of the ongoing works to refurbish, restore and update the Old Library, a crane will be located on Queen’s Square on Tuesday in order to lift roof lights into place.
Transforming the Old Library is set to cost just over £4 million representing further significant investment in Wrexham City Centre with the money from the project provided via UK Shared Prosperity funds, along with the Welsh Government’s Transforming Towns fund.
The Grade II listed building will have a new role within the city centre as a creative industries powerhouse, providing long term and short term flexible rental spaces for organisations and individuals within the sector that will boost the creative and cultural ambitions for Wrexham.
The property will contain two floors of rentable space that can be used as studios, offices and exhibition spaces. The building will also include a café with outdoor seating areas.
The Creative Hub will facilitate new opportunities for a growing cohort of creative professionals throughout North Wales and will provide opportunities for collaboration between the sector, local educational organisations and businesses as well as showcase arts and technology.
Works completed and ongoing at the library include:
Repairs to the bell tower, replacing wood and refitting slate on the roof, lead works to elevation copings, masonry work such as cill repairs – as well as refurbishment of existing metal windows.
Ground works and the steel construction of the glazed extension is ongoing with the glazed roof and walls planned for delivery and installation commencing 2nd June.
Internally the strip out, plastering and repairs are ongoing as part of the programme as well as the installation of a lift in the next week
Leader of Wrexham Council and Lead Member for Assets Cllr Mark Pritchard said
“Our investment will bring this prominent Grade II listed building back into public use, serving as a hub for the creative industries in the heart of Wrexham. “The Old Library has played a very important role in our past and this imaginative regeneration scheme will give it a new lease of life and ensure that it plays an equally important role in our future.”
Lead Member for Economy and Regeneration Cllr Nigel Williams said “This project is one of the many commitments and investments we are making in order to improve infrastructure and enhance Wrexham as a destination and a vibrant, ambitious city.”
