A Bold Vision for Wrexham: £20 Million Plan Submitted to Power the City’s Future

Wrexham is entering an extraordinary chapter in its story.

Following months of consultation with residents, businesses and partners across the county borough, Wrexham City Board has now submitted its draft Pride in Place Plan (formerly known as Plan for Neighbourhoods) to the UK Government - a major milestone in unlocking £20 million of long-term investment for the city.

This investment forms part of the UK Government’s Pride in Place Programme, which is

supporting 55 communities across the country to shape their own priorities for growth and regeneration over the next decade.

For Wrexham, the ambition is clear: to create a safer, more vibrant city centre, support

young people, grow the local economy, and strengthen the sense of pride that defines the area.

A Moment of Opportunity

Wrexham finds itself in a unique moment of global attention and local momentum. With the city’s profile continuing to rise internationally, there is a strong opportunity to harness that energy and translate it into lasting economic and community benefit.

The City Board, chaired by entrepreneur and community leader Rachel Clacher, believes

this funding can act as a catalyst to attract further investment, create jobs, and unlock new partnerships that will support Wrexham’s long-term future.

The ambition is not simply to deliver projects, but to create the conditions that allow

Wrexham to thrive - economically, socially and culturally.

Building a Stronger City Centre

At the heart of the plan is a clear focus on strengthening Wrexham’s city centre.

By investing in improvements that make the centre safer, more attractive and more

welcoming, the aim is to encourage more people to spend time there, support existing

businesses and attract new enterprises and investors.

Programme Manager Lisa Scully explains that the strategy follows a deliberate and logical approach.

Focusing investment in the city centre and supporting young people creates a ripple effect that benefits communities across the whole county borough. A more vibrant and active city centre can increase footfall, boost confidence in the local economy and create new employment opportunities.

Investing in the Next Generation

Alongside city centre improvements, the plan highlights the importance of investing in

Wrexham’s young people. One flagship proposal is the development of a Youth Hub facility, designed to provide a safe, inspiring and inclusive space for young people to spend time, develop skills and build confidence.

The aim is to ensure the next generation feel proud of their city and have opportunities to grow and succeed locally.

Celebrating Culture and Identity

The draft plan also recognises the role that culture, creativity and heritage play in shaping a city’s identity. Wrexham’s City of Culture 2029 ambition is highlighted as a powerful opportunity to celebrate the city’s distinctive history and creative talent while strengthening civic pride and attracting new visitors.

From its rich industrial heritage to its vibrant multicultural communities, Wrexham’s character is one of its greatest strengths. Harnessing that identity will be central to shaping how the city grows and evolves in the years ahead.

Regeneration That Benefits Everyone

While the plan focuses strongly on the city centre, the ultimate ambition is to deliver benefits that reach across the whole county borough. Some neighbourhoods continue to face significant challenges around health, income, education and opportunity. Addressing those inequalities will be a key part of the programme’s long-term approach. By creating a safer, more vibrant city centre that attracts investment and activity, the City Board hopes to generate a cycle of growth that spreads into communities across Wrexham.

What Happens Next

Submitting the draft plan marks an important milestone, but it is only the beginning.

Following approval from the UK Government, the Pride in Place programme will begin rolling out investment from April 2026, with projects delivered over the next ten years.

For Wrexham City Board, the ambition is clear: to turn community ideas into real change and ensure that this moment of opportunity becomes a lasting legacy for the city.