Latest news with #WrexhamGateway
Leader Live
19-07-2025
- Leader Live
Welsh Government's 'Travel for All' plan launched in Wrexham
Travel for All, which sets out a range of principles to improve transport networks, was launched in Wrexham on Friday (July 18). The plan's principles include "ensuring people feel safe and welcome"; "improving accessibility"; "involving users in design decisions"; and "embedding lasting change across all transport modes," in the words of a Welsh Government spokesperson. The launch took place at the Wrexham Gateway Project, where accessibility upgrades are already in progress, including improved tactile paving, accessible doors, changing places facilities, and obstacle-free routes. New standards and guidance, developed with disabled people, are to be issued to transport providers; and customer-facing staff across rail, bus, and other services are to receive regular training on equality issues, including disability awareness. Physical barriers are to be addressed through better lighting, accessible pathways, and improved station facilities. Members of the Transport for Wales Access and Inclusion Panel have been involved in the Wrexham Gateway Project. Amanda Say, a panel member who uses public transport regularly, said: "In terms of accessibility, it can be quite a challenge to plan any journey. "It is getting better. "Travelling by train is probably the easiest, while buses are much more challenging. "If we can link all active travel routes together, that journey - for everybody - is going to get much easier." Lee Robinson, executive director for regional transport and integration at Transport for Wales, said: "We're committed to delivering transport projects that are accessible and inclusive for all, and place people at the centre of design so customers feel safe and welcome when travelling in Wales. "Travel for All will be a key guide to ensuring we're removing travel barriers across our transport network. "The Wrexham Gateway project is a great example of putting the plan's principles into practice from design to delivery, by improving accessibility and customer experience and ensuring that Wrexham General station is an attractive gateway to Wrexham city centre." Cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: "Accessibility and inclusivity aren't optional extras - they are fundamental rights. "Wrexham Gateway shows what can be achieved when we develop transport infrastructure in partnership with disabled people, putting their expertise and lived experience at the heart of design decisions. "Building accessibility into our infrastructure from the beginning not only saves time and money by avoiding retrofits, but ensures it's always at the forefront of everyone's minds." READ MORE: Notice served on caravans on Wrexham playing field Seaside fish and chip shops in North Wales among UK's best Travel for All supports the Welsh Government's broader commitment to disability rights through the current consultation on the ten-year Disabled People's Rights Plan. In the words of a spokesperson for the Welsh Government, that plan "aims to create a Wales where disabled people can live, work, and thrive without facing entrenched barriers." The consultation on the plan closes on August 7, 2025, and seeks input from disabled people and their families across Wales.
South Wales Argus
19-07-2025
- South Wales Argus
New plan to improve confidence for travellers in Wales
Travel for All is designed to improve accessibility and inclusivity in Wales' transport system, with a focus on removing barriers for disabled people and ensuring a more welcoming experience for everyone. Launched at the Wrexham Gateway Project—where accessibility upgrades are already in progress—the plan sets out five key principles. These include making sure people feel safe and welcome, improving physical access, involving users in design, and embedding long-term change across all modes of transport. Cabinet secretary for transport and North Wales, Ken Skates, said: "Accessibility and inclusivity aren't optional extras – they are fundamental rights. "Wrexham Gateway shows what can be achieved when we develop transport infrastructure in partnership with disabled people, putting their expertise and lived experience at the heart of design decisions." The scheme is backed by new standards and guidance for transport providers, developed in collaboration with disabled people. It also includes regular equality and disability awareness training for front-line staff across rail, bus, and other services. Physical improvements will address barriers through better lighting, accessible routes, and upgraded station facilities. Amanda Say, a member of the Transport for Wales Access and Inclusion Panel who uses public transport several times a week, said: "In terms of accessibility, it can be quite a challenge to plan any journey. "It is getting better. "Travelling by train is probably the easiest, while buses are much more challenging. "If we can link all active travel routes together, that journey – for everybody – is going to get much easier." At the Wrexham Gateway Project, panel members have already contributed to improvements such as new help points and accessible routes. Lee Robinson, executive director for regional transport and integration at Transport for Wales, said: "We're committed to delivering transport projects that are accessible and inclusive for all, and place people at the centre of design so customers feel safe and welcome when travelling in Wales." Travel for All supports the Welsh Government's wider disability rights agenda, including its 10-year Disabled People's Rights Plan, which is currently open for public consultation until August 7, 2025.
Leader Live
09-07-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Wrexham City of Culture 2029 bid backed by business leaders
Business leaders have thrown their backing behind the bid, believing it could deliver a huge economic, social, and cultural boost to the region. Their support was voiced at a recent meeting of Wrexham Business Professionals, where Ken Skates MS, the Welsh Government's Minister for North Wales and Transport, described the campaign as a major opportunity for the city. Mr Skates said: "The stars are aligning perfectly for us. "The City of Culture campaign is a huge opportunity to draw in investment of £200 million, boosting local pride and in terms of the value of local, national and global exposure." Wrexham narrowly missed out on the title last time, losing to Bradford, which has since reported an estimated £700 million economic boost from its year as City of Culture. Wrexham County Borough Council, with the backing of the Welsh Government, is now determined to secure the title in 2029. Mr Skates said: "It can bring new employment opportunities with thousands of new jobs, improve transport links locally and nationally with massive benefits to Wrexham and the whole of North Wales. "I want to appeal to you to support this ambitious bid no matter what happens in next year's Senedd elections." He highlighted the long-term benefits of the Wrexham Gateway project, which is set to transform the city's transport infrastructure by 2029. Mr Skates said: "By 2029 we will see Wrexham's railway station redeveloped, new office and leisure blocks, a transport interchange, an events space and a green corridor into the city centre. "Not long ago we'd be celebrating if Wrexham got a new M&S and now look at what we're on the verge of. "The football team is repeatedly winning promotion and with your support Wrexham can be crowned City of Culture too." Amanda Davies, director of Wrexham's City of Culture bid, outlined the campaign at the meeting. Ms Davies said: "This would be worth a shedload of money for Wrexham and for its cultural regeneration. "The City of Culture competition is run by the UK Government's Department of Culture, Media and Sport every four years and winning it has made a phenomenal difference to Bradford." She emphasised that winning the title could unlock £200 million in funding and help revitalise under-supported areas of the city. Ms Davies said: "There are areas of Wrexham that are in dire need of support and that's where we can make a difference and that would be transformational." The winner will be announced in May 2026. Caroline Platt, managing director of Platts Agricultural Ltd in Llay, said the title could help attract and retain talent. Ms Platt said: "Wrexham has a very strong case and this is about getting behind the bid and keeping the momentum going. "It would be huge for us to win. "It would encourage talent to the area and help fill the skills gap while helping us retain staff and create more job opportunities." READ MORE: Readers recall fond memories of being refereed by 'legend' Brian as he wins award Ian Edwards, a member of Wrexham Business Professionals, said improved transport connectivity would benefit businesses across the region. Mr Edwards said: "Winning the title has to be beneficial for anyone running a business in Wrexham." Louise Harper, another member of the group, said the bid reflects the region's ambition. Ms Harper said: "Getting behind the City of Culture bid chimes perfectly with Wrexham Business Professionals' mission to work together to promote regional prosperity and shine a light on the enterprise and expertise that exists in the region."
Wales Online
06-05-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Iconic hotel planned for Wrexham Gateway project could be scrapped
Iconic hotel planned for Wrexham Gateway project could be scrapped The latest version of the plan includes the recommendation to relocate the hotel, which was supposed to be built next to the STōK Cae Ras (Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service ) A proposed landmark hotel, initially planned as part of the Wrexham Gateway project, may be relocated to allow Wrexham AFC's new kop to take centre stage in the development. The updated masterplan for the Wrexham Gateway Project will be reviewed by councillors on the Employment, Business and Investment Scrutiny Committee next Wednesday. The latest iteration of the plan suggests relocating the hotel, originally intended to be built adjacent to the STōK Cae Ras. According to the revised masterplan, "The original intention was that the hotel, situated on the junction of MoldRoad and Crispin Lane, would be a landmark feature at this importantgateway to the city,". However, with the football stand evolving into an iconic, internationally recognised structure, it seems counterintuitive to obscure it behind a new hotel. Therefore, discussions are currently underway between the Wrexham Gateway Partnership, Wrexham County Borough Council and Wrexham AFC to determine whether a hotel is the most suitable use for the site or if it could be better utilised for another purpose. Article continues below The plan also discloses that a study is being conducted into the potential realignment of Crispin Lane and its possible impact on traffic and pedestrian movement. (Image: Local Democracy Reporting Service ) When the plans were first approved by councillors in 2022, they demanded assurances that both the western and eastern sides of the development would be completed. The revised plan remains dedicated to the development of the eastern side of the gateway, but due to land and funding constraints, it will now approach the east as a single development. Preliminary discussions have been initiated with Wrexham Lager about relocating their brewery to the former Jewson warehouse in the eastern part of the development, although these talks are still in their infancy. The car park for Wrexham General train station is also set to be relocated to the Jewson site. Article continues below Due to the commercial challenges faced by the office space sector as a result of hybrid working and remote work, the amount of office space planned for the scheme has been reduced to 600 desks. Councillors are set to review these changes at a committee meeting on Wednesday, May 7.
Leader Live
01-05-2025
- Business
- Leader Live
Wrexham Kop to be new centrepiece of city gateway project
Councillors on the Employment, Business and Investment Scrutiny Committee will review the updated masterplan for the Wrexham Gateway Project next Wednesday. The latest version of the plan includes the recommendation to relocate the hotel, which was supposed to be built next to the STōK Cae Ras. "The original intention was that the hotel, situated on the junction of Mold Road and Crispin Lane, would be a landmark feature at this important gateway to the city," according to the updated masterplan. "With the evolution of the football stand into an iconic, internationally recognised building, there is little logic to hiding this behind a new hotel. "As such, the Wrexham Gateway Partnership, Wrexham County Borough Council and Wrexham AFC are currently in discussions as to whether a hotel is the best use for the site and if it may be better suited for another use." The plan also reveals that there is a study underway into the realignment of Crispin Lane and the potential impact of that on traffic and pedestrian flows. When councillors first approved the plans in 2022 they insisted on assurances that both the western and eastern side of the development would be completed. The Wrexham Gateway project has scaled back its office space plans as the sector faces challenges caused by hybrid and home working. (Image: Wrexham County Borough Council) The updated plan remains committed to the developing the eastern side of the gateway but due to land and funding issues it will now treat the east as one single development. Discussions have begun with Wrexham Lager to move their brewery into the former Jewson warehouse in the eastern part of the development, although these talks are at an early stage. Wrexham General train station car park will also move to the Jewson site. Office space planned for the scheme has been reduced to 600 desks due to the commercial challenges facing the office space sector due to hybrid working and work from home. Councillors will review the changes at committee on Wednesday, May 7.
