City centre funding announcement – New funding is on the horizon for our city centre. We’ve also retained our “Tree City” Status, and we introduce green-space enterprise SOIL. The recent announcement that Wrexham will receive a share of the UK Government’s £1.5 billion Plan for Neighbourhoods has reinforced the Wrexham City Board’s intentions to influence a brighter future for our city.
Plan for Towns
This funding programme is an evolution of the Long-Term Plan for Towns, set up by the previous government. It aims to create stronger, better-connected, and healthier communities across the UK. Wrexham is set to benefit from up to £20 million over the next decade. The funding will give the recently established Board the power to continue working alongside residents and businesses and increase investment, stimulating local growth and enhancing public services.
It is a significant boost to the area’s regeneration. Funding is also available for high streets, green spaces, arts and culture, youth facilities, health, housing and transport.
“We are absolutely delighted with the work we’re doing in Wrexham,” said Rachel Clacher, CBE, Chair of the Board. “This is important, vital work, and we are deeply committed to securing a brighter future for our city.
Wrexham Retains Tree Cities Status
The Tree Cities of the World programme has recognised Wrexham as one of 27 UK “Tree Cities” for its dedication to protecting and cherishing our urban tree canopy. Wrexham joins an international network of 210 Tree Cities across 24 countries. The Arbor Day Foundation, which is the world’s largest non-profit dedicated to planting trees, and the United Nation’s Food and Agriculture Organization co-founded the programme in 2019.
To earn its Tree Cities of the World recognition, Wrexham met five criteria. It had to have clear responsibility for tree care, set official tree management rules, update an inventory of local tree resources, allocate a dedicated tree planting budget, and hold an annual tree celebration event with the community.
This is the third consecutive year Wrexham has achieved this prestigious global award.
Lead Member for Economy Cllr Nigel Williams said, “Our tree planting schemes have planted over 5,600 trees throughout the county and within our city centre. We have grown a variety of tree species, from native broadleaved whips to large standard trees.
“This award acknowledges our commitment to continue establishing an increased canopy cover across Wrexham to 20%. Judges also acknowledged our commitment to trees as part of our successful Gold entries into Wales and Britain In Bloom last year.”
SOIL
SOIL is a social enterprise based in Wrexham. Their mission is to connect people to nature through holistic and innovative green infrastructure, promoting well-being, sustainability and environmental awareness. They offer services designed to make green spaces more accessible and impactful for individuals and communities.
They run workshops and tutoring on topics like landscape design, sustainability, and the benefits of green spaces. Their approach to landscape design combines artistic expression with practical solutions. They ensure each project meets the needs of the community while enhancing its ecological footprint.
One of the unique services they offer is forest bathing, a mindful practice that originated in Japan, known as Shinrin-Yoku. Find out more at soilltd.co.uk.
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