You would be forgiven for thinking that Eagles Meadow had hit a bump in the road when Debenhams and M&S announced they would be leaving the precinct. Indeed, it could be argued that the impact of these two massive establishments’ decision to vacate their premises pointed to a general disenchantment with the area and that other names might be following suit.
Massive Resurgence
Well, I’m glad to report that this is not the case. If you’ve taken a stroll along EM recently, you’ll have noticed a massive resurgence in the number of new shopfronts being reacquired. However, what’s just as noteworthy about the new arrivals is that they’re not retail outlets but community and activity-based outfits.
If you start at the Fat Boar and Ragazzi end of the precinct, you’ll find Lle Hapus, Cwtch Pottery Café, Retrograde Wrexham and the Polish Integration Support Centre (PISC).
Lle Hapus is a community-focused social enterprise that operates as a non-profit café and event space. Established by the trustees of The Wrexham Clothing Exchange. The community interest company called We Are WXM Community Interest Company are the driving forces behind Lle Hapus.
The Wrexham Screen Academy of Screen Acting also holds classes there. Founder/Director Dean Fagan says, “We chose Eagles Meadow because it’s in a go-to spot that’s becoming a focal point for community and creative ventures. The place has energy. It’s a great environment for our students who want to learn the craft of TV and film acting.”
A Drink And A Nibble
Owner Jules Roberts relocated Cwtch Pottery Cafe from their Rossett premises earlier this year and told LeaderLive, “We are so excited to be opening and welcoming our friends and customers old and new to our beautiful new-look café”. Their concept is quite simple. You enjoy a drink and a nibble while using their facilities to paint an item of pottery. They then glaze and fire the bisque for you.
Created by Anna Buckley, the PISC is a social institution that provides a range of support to the Polish community in Wrexham and Chester. Including free legal advice, a translation service, and Polish language tuition for adults. Its Saturday School teaches children all about Polish language, culture, tradition, and history.
Any mention of community outfits on Eagles Meadow wouldn’t be complete without mentioning Premier Radio. Premier Radio has been operating out of Eagles Meadow for two years now. They are an independent, non-profit, online radio station broadcasting live 24/7 and provide a valuable platform for sharing local news and diverse perspectives. The station is an excellent example of a radio station that focuses on local news and events and is committed to community engagement.
Most Recent Arrivals
Retrograde is Wrexham’s first arcade café. It’s home to a great selection of custom-made arcade cabinets, including Street Fighter 2, Ms Pacman, Golden Axe and originals like Faster Than Speed!
Further along, you may have seen the recent Wrexham School of Art exhibition. It was an extravagant and thoroughly professional event that wouldn’t have looked out of place in London or New York.
Sitting at the “cinema end” of Eagles Meadow is Yellow and Blue. YaB is a non-profit social enterprise that works tirelessly to empower communities. Its engaging events and activities provide pathways to positive change, address food insecurity, and combat social isolation. Led by the dynamic Pete Humphries, the organisation has gone from strength to strength since it first appeared on Henblas Street in 2021.
The two most recent arrivals sit next to Yellow and Blue. One is The Foundry, a state-of-the-art gym that opened last month. The gym is open 24/7, 365 days a year. There is no joining fee, and they don’t do contracts! Free parking is available for all users, and the space features a boxing area, Hammer strength equipment, and an on-site supplement shop!
The other is The Lab, a multi-artform venue, a place to hang out and create, featuring activities such as music and dance – including Breakin’, theatre, workshops and food from Notorious Eatz N Sweetz.
The Lab is headed by Rachel Pedley, who also founded Avant Cymru Theatre Company. She said, “We are excited about Eagles Meadow Shopping Centre’s opportunities for social businesses. Josh offered an initiative we hadn’t seen anywhere else in the UK. We feel very grateful to be a part of such a significant, pioneering social development.”
Full Steam Ahead
Eagles Meadow manager Josh Price says, “It was very important for us to develop the centre into a true community asset. A space within Wrexham where you can bring friends and family together in a clean and safe environment to shop, eat and play.
“Community is one of the core pillars of Eagles Meadow’s development. Not only have we welcomed groups like Yellow and Blue, Youth Cymru and Homestart, but we have also generated almost £5,000 in donations for North East Wales Mind through our car park operator Hozah. We are proud to offer a space for so many great groups who work to help the people of Wrexham. With a wide range of services and support, we will continue to bring fresh investment into the city centre, bringing new leisure, food, and retail offers from national retailers.
“We will also break down the barriers to small businesses and community groups finding a home in Wrexham. Our mission is to provide a space for everyone to enjoy by putting the people of Wrexham at the heart of what we do.”
With plans in the pipeline for a trampolining facility to occupy the space vacated by Debenham, it undoubtedly is full steam ahead for Dôl Yr Eryod.
To keep up to date with the community, click here.
