The Wrexham Gateway project is a multi-million pound scheme which is set to transform one of the principle routes into Wrexham town centre, and it’s set to receive a financial boost. The east side of the redevelopment will see major redevelopment of the site around the Wrexham General station, including commercial development and upgrades to the civic and amenity spaces.
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Wrexham Council, Wrexham Glyndŵr University, The Mersey Dee Alliance and Welsh Government have been working in partnership on the Wrexham Gateway project to lay the ground since last year, and the Wrexham Gateway project is now set to receive up to £25 million backing from the Welsh Government.
The multi partner Wrexham Gateway project aims to regenerate the Mold Road corridor – creating better-connected bus and rail transport, a route into the town centre that gives a great first impression to visitors and an improved events venue at the Racecourse stadium.
Moving the chess pieces
Mark Pritchard, leader of Wrexham council and chair of The Mersey Dee Alliance said:
“I would like to thank the First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford, Ken Skates MS, Welsh Government and all the Partners in the Partnership for all the hard work and effort to date
“Although not much has visually changed on the ground yet, we’ve been working tirelessly behind the scenes, moving the chess pieces into place, so we’re in a good position to start work when we receive the funding.
“Wrexham is a great place, and there’s a lot of excitement and optimism…not just about the football club and its new owners, but about the whole town in general.
Key plots of land
Last summer, Welsh Government bought the former Dickens car showroom and surrounding land. Under the scheme, part of this will be utilised to support development surrounding the Racecourse Stadium.
Welsh Government also bought the former Country Stores premises opposite Wrexham General railway station. As part of the Wrexham Gateway project this plot will be used to help improve transport linkages and could provide space for new offices and homes.
First Minister of Wales Mark Drakeford said:
“The £25m Welsh Government funding we are announcing today will be a huge boost to Wrexham. The plans for a public transport interchange at Wrexham General Station and for the Racecourse Ground in particular are incredibly exciting.
“I’m pleased to be able to announce this on the day the Minister for Economy, Transport, and North Wales, Ken Skates, publishes the Wales Transport Strategy as the funding will improve the public transport system in and around the town, giving an overall better experience for residents and visitors.
“It’s also a great day for football, sports and events fans as it will help to bring forward significant improvements to the Racecourse stadium. Wrexham AFC has had a great start to the year, with new owners for the club, and today’s announcement is even more positive news for this historic club.”
A game-changer?
As well as improving public transport system and investing in the stadium, the Wrexham Gateway project will see other improvements in the area.
Work is already taking place at Wrexham General to improve seating, safety and communal facilities.
Professor Maria Hinfelaar, Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham Glyndŵr University said: “It’s a big project that will take time to deliver, but it would be a genuine game-changer for Wrexham and the wider area.
The ambitious Wrexham Gateway Partnership proposals dovetail perfectly with our own Campus 2025 masterplan, which we are already delivering. It’s important that the partnership keeps pushing things forward-helping make Wrexham an even better place to live, visit, work and study.”
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