This week the Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant MS, visited the recently launched Creative Hub at the Old Library in Wrexham.
Thanks to grant funding from the Welsh Government Transforming Towns initiative and the UK Government Shared Prosperity Fund, Wrexham Council has been able to transform this historic building into a flexible, energy-efficient space for entrepreneurs and businesses from across the creative industries sector.
Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government Jayne Bryant said: “It’s very impressive to see how much work has gone into the specular transformation of the Old Library into a modern space, cleverly designed to support Wrexham’s growing creative sector.
“I am proud that we were able support the redevelopment of this Grade II listed building, after it had been empty for several years, with a £2.9m investment through our Welsh Government Transforming Towns Programme.
“It was a real pleasure to meet with the first entrepreneur to occupy the Hub, and I look forward to seeing the place helping more creative businesses and people from across the region to achieve their dreams.”
Work on refurbishing the building was completed in November, and the first business tenant has taken up residence – with negotiations taking place with a further two companies using the space.
The council’s aim is to develop and retain talent from the creative industry sector, and attract it back to Wrexham – helping to ensure more young people, parents, teachers and businesses see local opportunities in the sector.
Councillor Nigel Williams, Lead Member for Economy, Business and Tourism, said: “With Welsh and UK government support, we’ve been able to give an underused historic building a new lease of life, and we hope the hub will become a focal point for creative industries across the region.
“It’s a fantastic space where culture and technology can come together, and will provide a wonderful environment for businesses and entrepreneurs working in film, music, gaming, marketing, design, broadcast and many other fields.”
