Call for 'waste land' on Bridge Street to be put to use

In 2004 the Bridge Street Development plan was created to “guide and promote change by providing a framework within which appropriate development can be brought forward” however patches of land in the Bridge Street area have been left as they were 17 years later.

In the plan there were three ‘Sub’ areas one of which, Tenters Square, was developed. The other two have yet to see any development.

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These areas are Bridge Street and Lea Road, where the Burton Building now stands between two areas of ‘waste land', and the old Cambrian Brewery site on Bridge Street and St Giles Way.

A sign that can be seen from St Giles Way about the land

Councillor Steven Vale, of Offa Community Council, says it’s time that something is done. He reported that many Offa residents are not happy and that customers in his café, Caroline’s, often comment on how it used to look before the buildings were knocked down.

Here he speaks about the land:

He said: “What we have ended up with is three derelict eyesores, two of which are unloved and one which has been well maintained but frustrated by various issues.

“I would like to see the large parcel of land between Bryn Issa and St Giles way cleared and turned into a much-needed coach or car park complete with electric charging points. It already has access from the link road, has two crossings into town, is close to the toilet block at the Hafn, and overlooks St Giles Church, arguably the town's greatest asset.

“The other two sites need help to overcome the issues that are preventing them from being developed, that is why the council has an economic development officer.

“It is extremely frustrating to read about the eye-watering sums of public money to be spent on the Western Gateway whilst abandoning much-needed generation in the traditional areas where much of our culture comes from.  The Old Brewery Site and parts of the old town have been the subject of many a story in my Cafe, long gone and long forgotten by those who purport to be making Wrexham a city of Culture!”

All three patches of land can be seen from St Giles Way (image: Google maps)

Steven also reported that some plans to use the land couldn’t go ahead due to them being told it was a flood plain, despite residents saying that it has never flooded.

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Wrexham Council owns the land and decides what can be done on it.

A spokesperson said: “As the land owner, we are aware of the level of interest in this vacant site and will review options on how to progress it which will take into account the various opportunities and constraints associated with the site.”