Railway station set to be transformed in multi-million pound project

Liam Randall, local democracy reporter

A Multi-million pound scheme to transform the main route into Wrexham has received a big boost after funding was allocated to transform the town’s main railway station.

The Wrexham Gateway project will result in the redevelopment of the site around Wrexham General station, including commercial developments and upgrades to public spaces.

Wrexham Council, Glyndŵr University, The Mersey Dee Alliance and Welsh Government have been laying the ground work since last year and ministers have now set aside up to £25 million to deliver it.

The overall scheme aims to regenerate the Mold Road corridor by creating better-connected bus and rail transport, as well as improvements to Wrexham AFC’s Racecourse Ground by creating a new stand at the Kop end.

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.”

Last summer, the government bought the former Dickens car showroom and surrounding land on Mold Road.

Work recently got under way to demolish the building and part of the area will be used to support developments around the Racecourse Ground.

The government also bought the former Country Stores premises opposite Wrexham General railway station.

The property is also being knocked down to make space to improve transport links and could provide room for new offices and homes.

‘Partnership’ 

Mark Pritchard, leader of Wrexham Council, 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.”

As well as improving the public transport network and investing in the stadium, the gateway scheme will see other improvements in the area.

Work is already taking place at Wrexham General to improve seating, safety and other facilities.

Meanwhile, Glyndŵr University is also aiming to transform its main Plas Coch campus in the town.

The university’s vice-chancellor, Professor Maria Hinfelaar, 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.”