Wrexham’s bid for city status

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.

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.

“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.

“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.

“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.

“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.”                                                                                      

Pictured - Ian Edwards.