Wrexham and Flintshire councils have shared their hopes and plans for businesses and high streets in 2023. 

The Centre for Retail Research found in 2022 as more shops closed their doors than at any other point for at least five years.

Across both counties several business owners chose to close up shop for good as others welcomed customers for the first time. 

As we begin the new year, local government officials have shared their hopes for 2023.

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Andrew Farrow, Flintshire’s chief officer for Planning, Environment and Economy, said: “Flintshire is a highly successful economic location and continues to have a strong level of investment interest. Its strategic location in the UK, skilled workforce and critical mass of high quality businesses remain strengths.

"The council, as part of the North Wales Growth Deal, is developing strategic projects that will further support business investment through, for example, developing sites and premises, improving digital connectivity and supporting the development of lower carbon energy.

“The council will continue to work with partners to support businesses looking to invest, adapt and grow. 

“In addition, the council is starting to develop place making plans for each of the towns in Flintshire which will include conversations with businesses and other local stakeholders about how we can help towns to adapt and thrive in the future.

“The council would encourage any businesses needing support to contact the Business Development Team on busdev@flintshire.gov.uk.”

2022 saw several major events hosted in Wrexham such as the World Cup fan zones, City of Culture Bid as well as a visit from King Charles III.

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Discussing plans for this year Councillor Nigel Williams, lead member for economy at Wrexham Council said: “Looking forward to 2023 we have further ongoing projects such as the Gateway Project, the refurbishment of the General and Butchers markets and the exciting Welsh Football Museum development, as well as private investment in the city centre such as the exciting Chapter Court development around Queens Square.

“The council will be commencing public engagement in January 2023 in relation to a new Placemaking Plan for Wrexham, which aims to raise the ambition further and deliver the vision Wrexham will fully capture the benefits of its city status to create a place of regional and national significance.

“Our city centre will be playful, sociable, entertaining and inclusive to all who live, work, visit, and invest. This will include development of a SMART Towns project that aims to support local consumers, visitors and businesses through the sharing of data that can help improve decision making and awareness of opportunities within Wrexham.”