TRADERS based in the Butchers and General Markets in Wrexham have been on the move to their new temporary homes this month as renovation work begins.
As of August 7, traders have been moving to Units 5, 7 and 9 at Queens Square, while a multi-million pound revamp of the historic markets takes place.
The Grade II-listed markets lie at the heart of the Wrexham City Centre Conservation Area and form part of the Wrexham Townscape Heritage Scheme funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund, Welsh Government – Transforming Towns Fund, and Wrexham Council's capital programme.
The Butcher’s Market was opened in 1848 and the General Market in 1879; and they are both now in need of essential maintenance, repairs and modernisation.
Only Tracey’s Café and Paul the Butchers will remain at the Butchers market during the duration of the works, which are expected to last for at least a year.
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The modernisation of these listed buildings will not be to the detriment of their listed status, but will provide tangible benefits to traders and visitors. Wrexham Council said renovating and future proofing markets will draw in new audiences and generate increased footfall and help them become a city centre destination in their own right.
In the new location – a short walk away in the former British Heart Foundation store – shoppers will be able to find sweets, clothing, workwear, fancy dress, confectionary, DVDs, Blu Ray, pet food, pet accessories, artificial flowers, health products, stationary and much more.
One of those moving to the temporary location is Rob Clarke, who runs the popular Mad4Movies business.
PIC: Mad4Movies owner Rob Clarke with Wrexham AFC co-chairman Rob McElhenney!
Mad4Movies has been run by Rob since its establishment in 2006.
He initially started the business up having become unemployed after previously working in the IT industry.
Deciding to 'give it a go' by buying and selling DVD's on the advice of a friend, Rob started off at car boot sales before eventually opening his store.
Talking about the move to Queens Square, Rob said: "It's been hectic. I've moved once before, around 15 years ago, but this has been on another level.
"You never know just how much stuff you've got until you move. I've got books, music, films and a lot more to move so it's going to take me a few weeks to get it to where I want it to be.
"But, it's all been fine, it's been business as usual after we opened up this week with lots of people coming in."
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