10-08-2025
The ongoing cost of looking after Groves School, Wrexham
Groves School closed back in 2003, with demolition of the newer science tower taking place later in 2012.
The school was also earmarked for demolition by Wrexham Council, but was then listed by the Welsh Government in 2016, following a community campaign to protect it.
Several proposals to redevelop the building have been brought forward over the years, including plans to convert it into a new primary school or medical training facility, but none have successfully moved forward.
Last year, the council was urged by the Save Our Heritage Wrexham group to take action to revive the old school amid claims it has been left to rot.
In a recent update, Wrexham Council said that the building's future 'remains under consideration', with any proposed decision to be 'reported through Executive Board'.
With delays ongoing, the Leader recently submitted a Freedom of Information (FOI) request to Wrexham Council.
In that, we asked; "How much has it cost Wrexham Council financially year on year to look after Grove's School site since it closed in 2003?'
In their reply, they said: "The headline summary costs since closure are for the Groves site are £821,255."
In a further response, the council called the situation surrounding the school 'frustrating'.
They added that they have 'worked tirelessly' to find a solution.
Alwyn Jones, Wrexham Council's Interim Chief Executive, said: 'We have worked tirelessly to find a solution for the Groves, and will continue to do so. We did originally hope to build two new schools on the site, but the building was listed by Welsh Government and we were unable to progress these plans.
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"We've been close to finding other solutions on a number of occasions, but these didn't come to fruition, which has been frustrating.
'In the meantime, we're faced with the ongoing cost of insurance and security to keep the Groves safe from issues like vandalism and adverse weather, so we want to find a use for the site more than anyone.
"It's a complex and challenging situation, but we'll keep working hard with partners to explore different options and find a way forward.'
