The Wales Air Ambulance Charity has secured its popular Wrexham shop's location for the foreseeable future, having fully purchased the property.

Nestled in the conservation area on Henblas Street, this marks the first retail site to be bought outright by the charity.

The purchase came as part of the charity's recently outlined retail blueprint.

It aims to maintain its prominent community presence across Wales, while also driving income for its lifesaving services.

The blueprint resulted from feedback received during a 2021 strategy review from staff, volunteers and supporters.

Prior to the purchase, the Wales Air Ambulance had been operating from the location since 2011, initially as tenants.

The full acquisition of the property was made viable thanks to a generous £250,000 grant from the Transforming Towns Placemaking Grant– a scheme funded by the Welsh Government and handed out by the Wrexham County Borough Council.

Speaking about the exciting news, Hannah Mitchell, grants and trusts fundraiser for Wales Air Ambulance, said: "We’re delighted to have been successful in receiving this substantial grant, which will not only boost footfall and contribute to the city centre regeneration but will also help to raise awareness of our lifesaving service in the local community.

"The grant will ensure that the Wales Air Ambulance charity shop will remain in the heart of the Wrexham community for years to come."

Established in March 2020, the Transforming Towns Programme supports both strategic regeneration projects and the enhancement of smaller-scale locations.

It plays a crucial part in securing services in town centres that might otherwise have been situated elsewhere.

Julie James, the cabinet secretary for housing, Local Government and planning, said: "Our Transforming Towns programme allows local authorities to support projects that revitalise town and city centres to help create a sense of place and vibrant high streets for their communities.

"Through the programme, a capital grant of £250,000 has been provided to boost footfall and improve a popular retail space in Wrexham’s city centre."

The next steps for the Wales Air Ambulance shop involve extensive renovation.

Using a portion of the grant, plans include improving disability access, enhancing energy efficiency and modernising the overall space.

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Contractor, MPH Construction, will spearhead the refurbishment, projected to commence around mid-July with anticipation of reopening in October.

Rob Coles, Wales Air Ambulance’s head of retail, voiced his enthusiasm saying: "We are breaking new ground as a charity with the purchase of our very first retail property.

"Our shop in Wrexham is hugely popular and supported by the local community.

"It plays a key role in raising much-needed funds to maintain our lifesaving service throughout Wales.

"We feel very much part of the community and we hope this shows our commitment to the area and the preservation of its heritage."

The shop also creates employment opportunities and promotes volunteering in the area.

Mr Coles added: "The refurbishment of our shop is going to make a huge difference to our volunteers, staff and shoppers too.

"It doesn’t have disabled access toilets or facilities for the volunteers or for the shop staff.

"The changing room also doesn’t have disabled access.

"So, the work we are undertaking will mean our facilities will be accessible to all."