Images showcasing the ongoing refurbishment of Wrexham Butchers Market have surfaced on social media, providing a glimpse into the strides made by SWG Construction in revitalizing the Grade II-listed building. Based in Welshpool, SWG Construction is spearheading the rejuvenation efforts as part of Wrexham’s broader Regeneration Scheme.
Approved by Wrexham Council’s planning department in January 2023, the multi-million pound redevelopment initiative encompasses a comprehensive overhaul, including mechanical and electrical upgrades, the installation of a state-of-the-art Building Management System (BMS), roof repairs, stonework restoration, and the replacement or refurbishment of historic shop fronts.
Integral to Wrexham’s Townscape Heritage Scheme, the Butchers Market’s transformation is made possible through funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Welsh Government, and Wrexham Council’s capital programme.
Amid the progress, a tinge of melancholy accompanies the departure of a local butcher in September 2023, forced to close its doors temporarily due to ongoing construction. However, one resilient establishment, a café, continues to operate as a testament to adaptability. Other traders have found temporary refuge in units in Queens Square, patiently awaiting the completion of the refurbishment.
Updates from SWG Group shed light on the meticulous work underway:
- Ensuring Business Operations: An access ramp has been constructed to facilitate the smooth functioning of the café during the refurbishment.
- Structural Reinforcement: Strategic installation of new steel supports fortifies the building, particularly in the designated area for the new café.
- Interior Progress: High-level access scaffolding and temporary propping are in place, with ongoing strip-out and joinery works.
- Power Infrastructure Upgrade: A fresh power supply has been implemented, set to energize the entire building.
- Modernization Initiatives: Dismantling the existing high-level Radial Gas Heating System paves the way for a more contemporary approach.
- Mechanical and Electrical Advances: First Fix M&E is underway, showcasing the integration of cutting-edge systems.
- Ceiling Upgrades: Works on new MF ceilings have commenced, promising a blend of functionality and aesthetics.
- Cellar Transformation: The cellars are undergoing a metamorphosis into storage units for the outlets, with groundwork laid for a new lift installation.
- Collaborative Efforts: The SWG team maintains close coordination with architects and conservation officers to strike a balance between modernization and preservation.
SWG Group, entrusted with the reconstruction contract by Wrexham Council, remains steadfast in their commitment to the project’s success. A planning statement accompanying the application emphasizes the importance of refurbishing the Butchers Market to ensure its continued contribution to the historic townscape.
As the revitalization unfolds, Wrexham eagerly anticipates the Butchers Market’s return to its former glory, a symbol of historical and cultural significance. The images shared by SWG Construction serve as a visual testament to the commitment to preserving the past while embracing the future, ensuring that this iconic market remains a vibrant hub for the community.
