Tŷ Pawb has been named among the key Welsh arts organisations to receive funding from the Arts Capital Investment Fund announced by Arts Council Wales and Welsh Government.
A grant of £72,000 has been awarded for Tŷ Pawb to commission design work to enhance the building’s North Arcade entrance and the Flexible Space area of the market hall.
The goal is to transform and extend this area of the building into a welcoming, permanent art and play environment while retaining flexibility for events and markets.
The new grant will fund the initial design phase of the project.
Should the project progress successfully funding can then be sought for the construction phase of the project.
The design phase of the project will build upon a recent feasibility study (also funded by Arts Council Wales) carried out on the North Arcade entrance and Flexible Space area of Tŷ Pawb.
The Feasibility Study was carried out by award-winning architects, De Matos Ryan, who held discussions with Tŷ Pawb’s key stakeholders and users including market traders, community groups, local artists and families.
The feasibility study’s preferred option was titled “Transform and extend” which specified key features such as:
- Extending the entrance threshold towards Chester Street.
- Creating a larger, more welcoming arrival experience.
- Retaining the existing number of market stalls.
- Improving visibility through the building.
- Providing adaptable spaces that support play, performance, exhibitions and events.
Wrexham Council will now be opening an invitation for suitably qualified firms to submit a strong bid to carry out the design work. The invitation to tender will be available to view on Sell2Wales from 16th September.
This phase of the design work is required to be completed by March 2027.
A flagship cultural venue in a rapidly growing tourist destination
Lead Member with responsibility for Tŷ Pawb, Cllr Hugh Jones said “Since Tŷ Pawb opened in 2018, we have regularly sought opportunities to review, adapt and enhance the building to ensure we continue to meet the evolving needs of our audiences – local, national and international – and to thrive in our role as a flagship cultural venue in a city that is now growing rapidly as a tourist and cultural destination.
“With Wrexham’s City of Culture bid on the horizon and many other ambitious construction and cultural development projects taking place across the city, we are delighted to see Welsh Government and Arts Council Wales committing their support to Tŷ Pawb and our ambitions to further enhance Wrexham’s multi award-winning cultural facility.
“Tŷ Pawb is located in a burgeoning new ‘cultural quarter’ of Wrexham, alongside the recently expanded Xplore! Science Discovery Centre and the revamp of Henblas Street, the former Hippodrome site and Chester Street. This is an excellent opportunity to reimagine this corner of the Tŷ Pawb building.
“Should we progress with the preferred design, Bubbles Dog Grooming parlour – a much-loved popular local business – will be relocated. We have already had positive conversations with the business owner about a very suitable alternative shop unit at Tŷ Pawb which we will look to progress when it is clear that funding for the build phase of the project is available.”
“Tŷ Pawb is home to nearly 30 independent traders. A continuation of Wrexham’s rich market town heritage and also a vital, affordable trading space and proven springboard for brand new businesses and the exciting new generation of entrepreneurs who are now emerging in the city. To support this, a key objective of enhancing the North Arcade and Flexible Space area of the market hall will be able to further increase daytime footfall around the market and we continue to engage with our traders as the project progresses.”
“Our thanks to Arts Council Wales for their continued commitment to Tŷ Pawb, supporting it to be a place where people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds can come to meet, shop, eat, experience, explore, and co-create.”
Safeguarding the venues that bring people together
Dafydd Rhys, Chief Executive of the Arts Council of Wales, said,
“Across Wales, we are supporting ambitious projects that will protect valued cultural assets, improve accessibility, reduce environmental impact and create new opportunities for artists, audiences and communities. From major venue upgrades and community-owned cultural spaces to digital innovation and greener ways of working, these projects demonstrate the sector’s commitment to delivering the accessible, high-quality arts provision that the communities of Wales deserve.”
Cabinet Minister for Culture and Sport, Heledd Fychan, said: “Arts and Culture play a vital role in the wellbeing, creativity and prosperity of our communities. By investing in these organisations today, we are helping to ensure that people across Wales can continue to access high-quality cultural experiences, while providing artists and creative practitioners with the facilities, resources and opportunities they need to flourish.
“This fund is about more than bricks and mortar, it’s about safeguarding the venues and spaces that bring people together, strengthen local identity, and support jobs and skills in every corner of Wales. This investment will reach organisations of all sizes, from flagship venues to grassroots community spaces, ensuring the benefits of this funding are felt right across the country.”
Read the full Arts Council Wales Capital Investment Fund announcement
