Wrexham’s plans for a new cultural quarter have taken a big step forward. The Welsh Government has awarded £5 million to transform Henblas Street, the former Hippodrome site and Chester Street. Cabinet Minister Siân Gwenllian announced the money during a visit to Tŷ Pawb on 8 October.
What’s Planned for Henblas Street
Henblas Street and Chester Street are set for new paving, street furniture, trees and green spaces. Meanwhile, the former Hippodrome site will gain tiered seating, landscaping, water features and a large outdoor screen. The council’s aim is a lively quarter that supports both the daytime and night-time economy.
The scheme builds on Wrexham’s Victorian markets, heritage, arts and culture. Its design will echo the High Street facelift completed around 18 months ago. That means the same paving, amphitheatre-style seating for performances, planting and play features such as fountains.
Councillor Nigel Williams, Lead Member for Economy, Business and Tourism, called the package “an absolute game-changer”. In addition, the council hopes to start work before the end of the year. For a corner of the city that has waited a long time, that’s welcome news.
From Cinema to Hollywood
Many readers will remember the Hippodrome cinema fondly. It closed in the 1990s, burnt down in 2008 and sat empty until the council bought the land in 2022. Then, in 2023, Rob McElhenney put it on the world map.
He proposed the Ryan Rodney Reynolds Memorial Park as a birthday gift for his fellow Wrexham AFC owner. Now the council leads the project with the backing of Rob’s company, More Better. The company is reported to be helping cover the park’s running and maintenance costs for several years.
However, the cheeky name may not survive. References to “Henblas Gardens” have hinted at a possible rebrand. Either way, the site looks set to become a new place for people to gather.
Who’s Paying?
When the first designs were revealed in August, Wrexham.com reported that the scheme would be fully grant funded. In other words, nothing would come from the council’s own budget. The council says the Welsh Government money will sit alongside a range of other funding sources.
Wrexham’s £5 million is half of a £10 million Transforming Towns package. The rest is shared between Brynmawr, Neath, Monmouth, Bala, Newport and a regional programme in south-west Wales. So Wrexham has secured the lion’s share of this round.
During her visit, the minister also met Tŷ Pawb artists, including muralist Liam Stokes-Massey and Rachel West of The Art Bunny. She saw them as proof that investment can back people, not just buildings. You can read more about the wider programme on the Welsh Government website.
Another Piece in the Jigsaw
Council leader Mark Pritchard described the Henblas Street plans as “another piece in the jigsaw”. They follow the indoor markets, the High Street, the Old Library creative hub and the museum. Together, these projects are reshaping the city centre.
The scheme also feeds into Wrexham’s bid to become UK City of Culture 2029. A lively new outdoor space would be a strong asset for any cultural programme. It could host screenings, performances and community events.
Of course, the real test will be how the space is used once it opens. Residents, traders and visitors will all have a part to play. If it works, it could become one of the city’s favourite meeting points.
A Note of Caution
Not everyone is reading the announcement as a done deal. Planning Geek points out that a grant is not planning permission. Nor is it a guarantee that every part of a project is fully financed.
It also warns that construction can disrupt the very businesses regeneration is meant to help. As a result, traders will want clear timetables. Good communication during the works will matter as much as the finished design.
For now, though, a corner of the city centre that has sat largely unused for years finally has money, a design and a date in the diary. If the council delivers, Henblas Street could become a real highlight. We’ll keep you posted as work begins.
We hope you enjoyed reading about the plans for Henblas Street and the Hippodrome site. Click here for more articles about the city centre.
