Latest news with #NigelWilliams
North Wales Live
9 hours ago
- Business
- North Wales Live
Before and after on North Wales shopping street that's gone back in time
A street has gone back in time with the removal of "inappropriate" frontages and a return of traditional shop fronts. Historically Wrexham has lost many of its classic shop fronts, and inappropriate materials and designs have been used that bear little relation to the traditional style of existing properties within the conservation area. But funding was secured from the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Townscape Heritage Scheme for refurbishment works on number 2-10 and 38 Henblas Street in Wrexham. This saw appropriate repairs to the buildings' historic fabric and reinstatement of lost architectural features. The building owner has converted first floor of 2, and 4 Henblas Street, into 3 one bedroom studio apartments. There have been shop frontage improvements and decoration works that includes the reinstatement of the original shop front of number 4, including quarter round glass either side of shop entrance and the removal of wood cladding from front elevations. Repairs to existing stone pillars and other masonry works have been completed as well as improvements made to shop entrances for accessibility. Cast iron rainwater gutters and downpipes have been installed as well as roller shutters and alarm box removed. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox Wrexham council said: "The building refurbishment funded through the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Townscape Heritage Scheme has improved the character of the area, generated employment opportunities, improved the city centre accommodation offering as well as provided the opportunity to better utilise prominent city centre buildings. "The regeneration works have been carried out in a way that complements and enhances the local heritage and traditional buildings in the city centre. "With financial assistance from the THS programme we want to restore and reinstate as much of the architectural heritage features and styles as possible, improving the overall appearance and character of the conservation area." Cllr Nigel Williams, Lead Member for Economy, said 'We've been very successful in Wrexham over the past few years in securing external funding to help improve the look and functionality of the city centre and buildings within the conservation area. This most recent work is a small but significant part of the overall improvements and works towards our ambitions to make the city centre an exciting and vibrant destination for both Wrexham residents and visitors." Property owner Tim Steel said: 'Initially the project seemed quite daunting as there was lots to do but I received great help and advice from officers at Wrexham Council before and during the works. 'I'm really happy with the high quality finish that improves the overall look of the area.'
BBC News
16 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
Sevenoaks Hospital to benefit from share of £1.7m CIL funds
Projects to improve a hospital and access to the North Downs Way are among nine schemes which have been awarded Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) half of the £1,751,066.34 allocated by Sevenoaks District Council has been earmarked to help build a new headquarters for Sevenoaks Scouts and refurbish Darent House at Sevenoaks Downs National Landscape Unit has secured £329,932 to improve access to the North Downs Way for older and disabled Nigel Williams, the council's cabinet member for development and infrastructure, said the funding would "improve residents' health and wellbeing and our environment". Five parks across Swanley will benefit from a shared £131,634, while £110,000 has been allocated to the cost of a new heating and hot water system at Edenbridge Sports improvements will be made to the Valley Road footpath in Fawkham, with £20,000 allocated to help pay for a new pedestrian crossing at Dartford Road in Williams said that, since introducing CIL in 2014, the council had secured "nearly £19m in developer contributions".
Leader Live
06-07-2025
- Leader Live
Where to stay for the Wrexham Eisteddfod this August
The influx is due to the National Eisteddfod, which will take place in August and is expected to bring high demand for accommodation throughout the region. Caravan camping on the Eisteddfod Maes has already sold out, though limited tent pitches are still available both onsite and at the new Hwyrnos location. A spokesman for Wrexham Council said: "If you still haven't managed to arrange your accommodation for the Eisteddfod week, some availability remains within the area, although as demand is high, we'd recommend securing your booking as soon as possible." The council highlighted Wrexham's wide selection of verified hotels, bed and breakfasts, self-catering accommodation, and holiday parks—all ready to offer a warm Welsh welcome/ Visitors are encouraged to explore the wider region if they struggle to find accommodation in Wrexham itself. Regional tourism partners have listings for nearby areas, including Go North Wales, Visit Chester & Cheshire, and Visit Shropshire. Councillor Nigel Williams, lead member for economy, regeneration, and tourism, said: "If you're staying in the Wrecsam area for Eisteddfod week – why not explore some of our local attractions too? "We're home to the 11-mile UNESCO World Heritage Site at Pontcysyllte, we have two National Trust Estates (Erddig and Chirk Castle), plus other great places to visit such as the picturesque Ceiriog Valley on the edge of the Clwydian Range Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, Xplore Science Discovery Centre, Ty Pawb (arts, markets and food hall), a vibrant traffic-free city centre, great pubs and bars including the Saith Seren (our Cymraeg community centre and pub), as well as some great places to eat. "We can't wait to give a Wrecsam Croeso to everyone." READ MORE: Young people share thousands of ideas to help shape the future of Wrexham The council has also encouraged local tourism businesses to make use of the free Helo Blod translation service to add a Welsh-language welcome to their marketing materials. Official accommodation listings for Wrexham County can be found on the Visit Wales website, while the North East Wales tourism partnership also offers a selection of accredited providers. For those willing to stay further afield, additional options are available through Visit Chester & Cheshire, Visit Shropshire, and Go North Wales.
Leader Live
04-07-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Wrexham to host colourful bee trail for Wales In Bloom
The city will host the project, part of the Wales In Bloom scheme, which will feature bee-themed artworks created by schoolchildren and displayed to raise awareness about the importance of pollinators. Dozens of uniquely decorated bees will be placed throughout the streets and markets, forming a circular trail beginning and ending near Tŷ Pawb. READ MORE: Protest by St David's School Action Group sends message to Flintshire councillors Councillor Nigel Williams, lead member for economy and regeneration, said: "We are thrilled to showcase the creativity of our young people while raising awareness about the incredible work bees do for our planet. "This trail is a colourful reminder of how nature thrives even in urban spaces, and is a celebration of Wrexham's commitment to supporting biodiversity through Wales in Bloom." The trail is free to explore, and visitors can collect a bee trail leaflet from either the Tŷ Pawb reception or the Visitor Information Centre. You can also colour in your own bee and add it to the growing 'hive' at Tŷ Pawb. The bee trail is now open until Sunday, September 1.
Wales Online
29-06-2025
- Business
- Wales Online
Welsh bakery creating 150 jobs in £47m expansion
Welsh bakery creating 150 jobs in £47m expansion The business is ramping up its production and storage capacity Jones Village bakery Wrexham: chief executive Simon Thorpe and Wrexham councillor Nigel Williams. (Image: Picture Mandy Jones ) Jones Village Bakery is investing £47m to expand its production and storage capacity in a move that will create 150 new jobs. The investment will see a new £20m production line to make bread and rolls at its headquarters site on Wrexham Industrial Estate. When it becomes operational, the 140,000 sq ft bakery in Ash Road will be full to capacity. It is also planning to convert and extend a storage facility that was built on a nearby site of the company's bakery that was destroyed by a devastating fire in 2019. The scheme will see an additional investment of £27m and the new bakery will enable the company to continue to ramp up production. Last year private equity firm Limerston Capital sold its majority stake in the business to French bakery venture Menissez. In financial year to the end of September, 2023, Village Bakery employed 740 with revenues of nearly £100m. Article continues below Wales experiences big rise in foreign direct investment projects READ MORE: Its chief executive Simon Thorpe said: "This is the beginning of yet another new and exciting chapter in the Village Bakery success story. "Our plan is to rise, phoenix-like from the ashes and turn the old fire site where the bakery burned down into a state-of-the-art facility. "Once again we will be marrying the very best equipment available with our craft bakery skills so we can make even more fantastic products in greater volume." Projects director Kris Green said: "The additional capacity is needed because of our burgeoning order book thanks to the growing appetite for our products, not just here in the UK but also across Europe and as far afield as Australia. "It's going to enable us to make a wider range of products with a real focus on quality." Former managing director and chief executive, Robin Jones said: "Between them, these two major investments will create 150 new jobs – 30 of them at the site of the former bakery that was destroyed. "It was a heartbreaking experience but thankfully nobody was hurt and our darkest day also became our finest hour. "We are now growing faster than ever and his is great news for Wrexham and the local economy." Nigel Williams, Wrexham County Borough Council's lead member for economy, business and tourism, said: "How the company has bounced back after the fire and the growth they've had since then is phenomenal – the company is a great ambassador for Wrexham. Article continues below "It's great to hear that they have the confidence to continue investing in Wrexham – their commitment to Wrexham is 100% and the extra jobs coming here are great news for the local economy. "It's very much a family brand and a place to work with a family ethos which is nice to see nowadays."
