A PETITION has been launched calling for a theatre to be built on the grounds of the old Hippodrome in Wrexham town centre.

Wrexham resident Clive Ray, who has a passion for performing arts, has launched the petition because the town is "crying out for a theatre".

Earlier this week, the Leader reported that Wrexham Council has bought the The Hippodrome site on Henblas Street.

The old cinema was destroyed by fire in 2008 around a decade after it closed its doors and the building was later demolished.

The land has stood vacant ever since despite several proposals being put forward to redevelop it.

The most recent plans saw approval given for two shops with 13 apartments above them to be built on the plot in 2019, but the scheme did not move forward.

Mr Ray believes it is the perfect place for a theatre.

"It's in the heart of Wrexham and would be a huge boost for our night time economy", he said.

"With the William Aston Hall no longer putting on shows, a theatre is now needed more than ever. The Stiwt Theatre in Rhos and the Grove Park Theatre are cracking little places, but they're small and can't accommodate for bigger shows.

"I'd love to see a theatre that showcases both local and national talent."

Mr Ray's two daughters perform at the Delta local performing arts school in Wrexham - and he said they struggle to put on shows due to a lack of available venues.

"It’s something I feel passionate about," he said.

"If we are going for the City of Culture bid we need an up to date theatre in the town to support the bid and local theatre and performing groups for many years to come."

"Wrexham’s crying out for a theatre."

Mr Ray said there is a huge amount of performing arts talent in the Wrexham area, and that the town needs it's own theatre to rival Theatr Clwyd and the Storyhouse in Chester.

"I love both of those places," he said.

"But Wrexham is losing vital custom for its restaurants, bars and hotels to these other areas."

Councillor Mark Jones has put forward the idea for a park to be built on the land, but Mr Ray said this would be a "waste".

"There are a lot of existing green spaces in Wrexham which I think are currently being underused," he said.

"The land in front of the Guildhall is used for Focus Wales and the Wrexham Feast - but more could be put on there.

"There are other parks in Wrexham, like Bellevue, so I don't see the point of spending more money on another park - something the town doesn't need."

Mr Ray added: "Wrexham needs a decent theatre - which would reinvigorate the whole area.

"I'm looking to get 10,000 signatures to show that there is clear support for this in Wrexham."

You can add your signature to the petition at https://bit.ly/3AAmSgq