WREXHAM Council have issued details on their plans to create a "thriving city centre".
Earlier this month, The Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) called for "more support and innovative thinking" to help improve life for small firms on UK high streets.
Aid for pop-ups, well-maintained and accessible toilets, and community-specific online marketplaces were amongst its recommendations.
The Leader posed the question to the local authority, asking what it was doing to help small businesses and what it had planned for developing Wrexham city centre.
The council revealed details of its 'plans for towns programme' which has seen £20 million in funding secured over 10 years.
£4 million of which has been invested in refurbishing the historic Butchers and General Markets which are set to be completed soon.
In addition, the funding will allow grants and loans to be given to business and property owners to improve the look and functionality of businesses in the city centre.
As well as supporting businesses, the local authority are looking to improve the High Street and other areas in the city centre.
Regeneration work is ongoing to pedestrianize the High Street, which the council hope will 'enhance its potential for events, street markets and cafe culture, while complementing the historic listed buildings in the area'.
There has also been support and promotion given to pop up events happening within the city centre, as well as efforts made to make the city centre more attractive to visitors, like the Wrexham badge floral works and participation in ‘Wales/Britain in bloom’ activities.
Last but not least, the council said that new technologies were being tested to better understand the visitor experience as part of the 'SMART towns initiative'.
The initiative also included plans for a free local app where businesses can promote goods and services as well as developing itineraries with national and global travel agencies to bring more independent and group visits to Wrexham City Centre.
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Cllr Nigel Williams, lead member for economy at Wrexham Council said: “There is a considerable amount of investment taking place in Wrexham City Centre currently.
“As a location we have experienced a significant increased interest both internationally and locally.
“We want a thriving city centre that is a welcoming and attractive place to work, shop, play and visit - whether you are a Wrexham resident, or from further afield."
A council spokesperson added: "Wrexham has a placemaking plan in place. The aim of this is to promote better design and development, and help establish more appealing social, cultural, economic uses and activities in the city centre, to make Wrexham the number one destination for people from across the area, as the place for shopping, working, learning, culture and entertainment.
"A centre that provides developers, businesses and organisations with the confidence and encouragement to invest in the city."
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