Business leaders are putting their weight behind a planned new bid to achieve city status for Wrexham and believe a bit of Hollywood magic can help them get over the line.
Wrexham Business Professionals say that the takeover of Wrexham AFC by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney could be a gamechanger because the profile of the town has never been higher.
Solicitor Ian Edwards, a senior member of the group, spoke out after it was revealed that Wrexham County Borough Council is considering launching a fourth bid to become a city.
The competition due to be held next year to mark Queens Platinum Jubilee
Wrexham lost out in 2012 when it was pipped at the post by St Asaph, in Denbighshire.
General view of Wrexham town centre. Pictured: Hope Street. Photo by Ian Cooper (Image: IAN COOPER/NORTH WALES LIVE)The council is also looking at a bid to become the next UK City of Culture in 2025.
Wrexham Business Professionals is made up of successful businesses and highly skilled professionals working together to promote regional prosperity and the enterprise and expertise that exists in the region.
They say securing city status could transform the area’s economic prospects.
Ian Edwards said: “We have supported the idea of Wrexham becoming a city for many years. As far as we are concerned, this is a no-brainer and a once-in-a-generation opportunity.
Read More Related Articles What Iceland boss Richard Walker says will be a ‘s*** show for business’ as Covid cases rise Read More Related Articles Electric bike hire firm launches in Gwynedd to take ‘hell out of the hills’“Even before the pandemic and the consequences of the pandemic we’ve always thought that being a city would give Wrexham a lot of kudos and would provide a massive economic benefit for the whole of North Wales.
“Over the past 18 months during the pandemic some business in Wrexham have done well but others – notably in leisure, tourism and hospitality – have really suffered and we really have to get back on our feet economically.
“It’s not just about putting Wrexham on the map – being a city would provide an effective lever in attracting inward investment and new jobs which would help the whole area thrive and prosper.
“Any costs in putting the bid together would be far outweighed by the potential benefits which would transform the fortunes of the town and provide a better future for the people who live here.
“It feels like the stars have now aligned perfectly and that the time is now right to do our best to seize this opportunity.
Read More Related Articles Penderyn Distillery becomes commercial partner in Conwy’s bid for UK City of Culture 2025 Read More Related Articles North Wales heritage railway that was saved after operator collapsed will restart services this week“The fact that Wrexham AFC has been bought by Hollywood A-listers Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney has added a bit of magic and stardust.
“A lot of people across the world hadn’t heard of Wrexham before and now other Hollywood stars are embracing the story and putting on the club’s shirt.
“We’ve never had such a high profile – not just nationally but internationally.
Get your BusinessLive news direct and all in one placeStay in touch: BusinessLive newsletters have been re-designed to make them even better. We send morning bulletins straight to your inbox on the latest news, views and opinion. Get our breaking news alerts and weekly sector reviews too. Sign up now – it’s free and it only takes a minute.
“You really couldn’t script it better. There’s never going to be a better time to bid for city status.
“The town centre in Wrexham is struggling at the moment like many other places. and I don’t see what we have to lose. It’s got to be worth a go.”
It was a sentiment echoed by the group’s chair, Gill Kreft,
She said: “City status would give Wrexham a huge fillip and provide the recognition it deserves as the commercial capital of North Wales.
Read More Related Articles Thirteen years after fire ripped through this Rhyl hotel residents are now moving into new development on site Read More Related Articles Huws Gray announces massive deal which will see its branch network double“City status would undoubtedly help attract more inward investment and funding into the town and the surrounding area.
“It would also give us an enhanced reputation and status as well and raise awareness of what a great place this is and what a lot it has to offer. Wrexham has a lot going for it.
“It would be a boost for us and for North Wales and give the town more confidence about itself.”
Read More Related Articles TikTok agrees deal to sponsor Wrexham AFC Read More Related Articles Airbus secures bumper plane order from United Airlines