your comments
Sarah, Wrecsam
I have read a few of these reviews and I think it's a shame. If some on this list put as much effort into trying to make Wrecsam a better place as they do complain about the state it is in at the moment I think we would be living in a better place. I am not naive enough to think that by saying EM is a nice place it will become a nice place, but I have sat here thinking a lot are complaining but not saying anything about what you want to happen to make it better. I was disappointed when I first went to EM, but since that first outing I have had some thoughts. I am glad we finally have a bowling alley and that I don't have to go to Chester every time. I'm glad we've got more choices of places to have some good grub. I'm glad we've got a cinema with an extra screen so that it might show films that would've been ignored in the Plas Coch Odeon. I'm glad we've got a few more shops to spend my money in hehehe. Yes, I am gutted that our town centre looks a little like a ghost town, and that on my lunch break I have less places to pop into but that is the hand we have been dealt and we have to rise to the occasion to make it better and find the silver lining. Wrecsam is getting better, we just haven't quite got the balance right yet. I'm not meaning to sound all preachy and if this is what's coming across I apologise. I have just been sat here thinking I would like to read something that is more hopeful for the future and has something a bit positive to say. Thank you if you have taken the time to read my little piece.
Tue Jun 16 08:22:17 2009
Pete, Wrexham
Not to worry, the next instalment of the council masterplan is to rip up the car park opposite Jones's Chippy for some totally only known to them bizarre reason.
Wed Jun 10 07:52:28 2009
Alice, Oswestry
I parked in Island Green yesterday, which was my first surprise, as I have never found a parking space there before, even though I always checked, and walked through the main town centre up to Eagles Meadow. I popped into Waterstones which was empty except for the staff, the next store to go maybe, before calling in Boots, which I have found is to move next month, another empty shop. It was nice to see Peacocks setting up their new store, but what is to become of the old shop? Eagles Meadow was empty, and that is no lie. I went into Next, Debenhams and M&S and was pounced on by staff who obviously had nothing to do. Walking back I never passed anyone else heading that way, and it was 11.15am - I checked my watch on the way out - a time when historically Wrexham was jumping with shoppers - a sign of the times maybe, or shoppers voting with their feet and going elsewhere? A shame that Wrexham is not what it once was, and will never be the city that the Council are obviously after - a time for change at County level?
Mon Jun 8 09:26:28 2009
Sue, Wrexham
I drove past the steps at Eagles Meadow yesterday afternoon. Now we have the warm summer weather, I expected to see people enjoying the waterfall. Instead there was a builder cutting paving slabs down one side. Round the corner, there was some more construction work going on around the entrance to the car park. Is this place ever going to be finished?
Tue Jun 2 09:37:03 2009
Matt, Oswestry
Just been to EM today for the first time since November and have to say I was very impressed there appears to have been massive improvements made! And thankfully that stupid car parking system has changed! Not sure what the negativity is all about. Admittedly disappointing there are a few empty units, but that's the same everywhere. Even Liverpool 1 has a few. Absolutely loved my tea in Nando's, and there was a great vibe from the guys in Top Man and the O2 shop. What the people of Wrexham going to say, if EM doesn't take off and they're left with even less shops?
Fri May 22 08:14:12 2009
Nicky, Wrexham
I know we didn't want EM, but now it is here we are stuck with it. So I want to ask what can the council, retailers, owners of EM do to improve the situation? I work in Wrexham and I want things to improve and make it somewhere we are proud to say we belong to again!
Thu May 21 09:12:19 2009
Andy, Wrexham
I see from the Evening Leader that someone has fallen on the uneven flag stones and broken her shoulder as well as numerous other injuries. It was only a matter of time before this happened. The complex was rushed to be opened.
Fri May 15 10:45:00 2009
Andrea from Wrexham
Peacocks is moving down to the empty Top Shop premises next to the Horse and Jockey. Good move for them maybe but where on earth are the other stores who ought to be interested in Wrexham? Let's be fair, they do their research and just consider that as a town, we are not worth the investment!
Wed May 13 08:25:24 2009
Mrs Nerys A Watkins, Coedpoeth
I am not sure if the comment by Gary of Wrexham regarding Waterstone's is true, however in these trying times I fear it may be, but I know for sure that they have lost their Welsh speaking customer assistant - I went in this morning and was told by a young man that she no longer works for the company - the only reason I ever shopped there was because of that young lady - from now on it will be online I am afraid.
Mon May 11 08:57:17 2009
Gary, Wrexham
I took a walk up to EM this morning to pop into Burtons - wish I hadn't bothered. It was like a ghost town, I thought the High St was bad. It is a shame to hear about Waterstones - job losses, 3 from the store, but surprise not one from Chester store!
Thu Apr 30 17:16:41 2009
Amy, Wrexham
To Sue, Wrexham - I am sad to say I have to agree with you. When family and friends come to Wrexham to visit, we now go shopping to Oswestry or Chester, and have even gone to Cheshire Oaks. We too used to enjoy an afternoon out in Wrexham shopping, but now, as you say, unless you want to show visitors the same boring stores that EM has then I would recommend a visit to Chester - at least they have a high street worth visiting. When is Wrexham going to see these new stores our councillors have been promising - shops to replace those the same councillors were only too happy to see moving to EM and now the whole thing is a white elephant.
Wed Apr 22 07:47:17 2009
S in Smithfield
Are those galvanised crash barriers the best the Council could come up with? Honestly, think of all that slate spoil not too far away that could have been used to line the centre tarmac strip with planters, which would have provided the same effect of channeling pedestrians crossing from Tesco to EM. Seems to work at Cheshire Oaks. The recent demolition of the old Hippodrome, without any attempt to save that moulded terracotta frontage, just shows that the Council have no interest in the look of the town, otherwise a bit more effort might have gone into landscaping aroun the edges of EM...or even on the central bleak plazas. How much would some large planters with trees cost, compared to the uplift in feeling towards this structure that might result?
Wed Apr 22 07:41:12 2009
Sue, Wrexham
"...Wrexham is about to become a post-apocalyptic wasteland akin to the Mad Max films. In reality, the world economy is in dire straits, and Wrexham is showing the same symptoms as most other towns and cities in the country."
I travel a lot and Wrexham really seems to be showing much worse symptoms. I've just come home from visiting several other places around the UK - towns of a similar size to Wrexham including Stockton-on-Tees, another town with a lot of out of town centre shopping (try googling Teeside Park) that has been very bady hit with job losses in this recession. My friend there was bemoaning the number of shops that had closed in the town centre, but when we walked along the town's famous wide high street, there was only a fraction of the number of empty premises we have in Wrexham. I've had a few friends visit over Easter and I don't take them into Wrexham any more - we've been to Chester and Llangollen. Wrexham town centre, once a pleasant place to stroll and shop on a sunny day, is so empty it's embarrasing to show visitors to the area! They don't want to see or shop in the same shops they have at home, so going to Eagles Meadow would be a bit pointless.
Tue Apr 21 11:47:04 2009
Richard from Nantwich
I visited EM yesterday for the third time since Feb. It seems I am in the minority in that I quite like EM.It's just a nice change for myself (from Crewe or Hanley) and it's not too far to travel. During the visit I did pop into the town centre but I only visited the shops that had specific items I required. They were the Body Shop and Boots. I did not want to spend any further time than was necessary in the town centre as I find it a little run down and in comparison EM makes a much more pleasant shopping experience.
Tue Apr 21 11:39:17 2009
Wil, Wrexham.
Well Gaz, you didn't read my comment properly. I didn't say EVERYONE from Wrexham goes to Chester shopping, just the disillusioned shoppers. Although, goodness knows, there are enough of them I suppose. I don't remember ever going to Chester City Centre AND the Greyhound park, they're entirely different entities. All my needs can be met in the very comprehensive city centre shopping area after using the handy Park & Ride, or the bus, right in to the centre. At the moment Sainsbury's IS an "out of town" complex, but only just. It will be even less "out of town" when we find out what is coming to link the former Kirby and Jaques sites to the 'Lager' shops. Then there will only be NEWI and Wrexham F.C. (perhaps) to walk past. Happily I am within travelling distance of a proper market town without any "City" ambitions, Oswestry, and I enjoy shopping there, you should try it. There we are Gaz, you and I, and Andrea, have all expressed our opinions, as we are ALL entitled to do, without being invited to go and live elsewhere. As a recent contributor said "We have the interests of OUR town at heart", and yes, I include you, and I, and Andrea in that statement.
Mon Apr 20 11:07:21 2009
Sue, Newcastle, North England
I used to live in Wrexham up to some 5 years ago, but had to move due to my firm relocating to North England. As my family are from Essex and my husband's family are from Birmingham, we had not visited Wrexham since moving, however, we a friend got married last weekend, we had a reason to come back to Wrexham. I was amazed at how the High St had changed. I was warned that I would not recognise the place and boy is that true. It is a crying shame to see so many empty shops, especially when the majority have closed not due to the resession but to relocate to the new out of town shopping centre. My friend and I took a walk from Island Green to the old Asda site, and I have to say, even for a 40 year old it was a hike I would not repeat any time soon. If there were a lot of new and exicting shops it would be worth it, but all the new shopping centre has to offer are mobile phone shops and those stores that relocated, oh and of course Debenhams, Jane Norman and Bank - all of which are struggling in these hard economic times. Wrexham has lost its unique quality and is becoming just a checker board of charity shops, and pound shops - such a shame.
Fri Apr 17 10:31:17 2009
Gaz, Wrexham
To Wil, Wrexham; "Chester affluent? Of course it is, it's full of disillusioned shoppers from Wrexham spending their money without having to catch a bus or taxi from one shop, (Sainsbury's) to another, (Matalan). Repeat, read ALL the comments! Mon Mar 23 08:40:42 2009". OK, you're saying the distance from Sainsury's (situated on an out of town retail park) to Matalan requires a taxi or bus, you're probably correct there if you don't want to walk. However, I bet that the distance between the Greyhound Park (another out of town park) and Chester City centre is very similar to the distance between Plas Coch and Wrexham town centre. So when you shop in Chester (you must do surely as according to you EVERYONE in Wrexham shops in Chester) I take it you walk between the Greyhound park and the city centre do you? To me, the distance between say Curry's on the Greyhound Park, and Argos in the city centre is a similar distance (if not greater) than Matalan-Sainsburys in Wrexham? I don't really see why you keep mentioning the Sainsbury's-Matalan distance, because Sainsbury's is a good half mile away from Wrexham town centre on a separate retail park, I could understand your argument if there was a solid line of shops in-between Plas Coch and the town centre, but that is not the case. But as it is, using your logic you could say the same thing about every other town in the UK which has an out of town retail park. If you want to measure the distance of Wrexham's town centre shopping area, I'd say it would be from Matalan/Eagles Meadow, to Island Green/Top end of Regent street near McDonalds. This distance incidentally would be about the same from one end of Chester's high street to the other.
Thu Apr 16 14:43:31 2009
Keith Cordell, Llangollen
I have only just come across this forum, and am impressed by the forceful way the points have been put. Some may think it sounds negative, but to me it shows that we all CARE about Wrexham, which makes it all the more frustrating that there is no response from the Council itself. One point I would like to make is that the comment "...but if someone from our council were to actually get off their backsides and do something for the high salary they are paid, then that would mean they were actually worth what we paid them, and we all know that there is not one WCBC employee or councillor who is worth that" is unfair and untrue. I have worked for the Council, and I would like to say (having worked in both the private and public sector) that the vast majority of WCBC staff are very hard-working and conscientious people who actually care about what they do.
Thu Apr 16 09:31:56 2009
Pete, Wrexham
Remember the newspaper competition Spot the Ball? Well there is soon to be one taken in Eagles Meadow, Spot the Shopper.
Tue Apr 14 11:17:29 2009
S in Smithfield
Do you think that the EM staff might finally realise the place is open and remove that ridiculous sign 'Opening October 2008' from off the wall?
Tue Apr 14 09:36:59 2009
Wil, Wrexham
It's now a week since I dared the leader of WCBC to comment on the views expressed this site, so far no reply. He isn't speechless, he has enough to say on sites such as the WCBC spreadsheet, where he gets no opposition. We ain't gonna get no answer folks! Next time we hear will be voting time so don't hold your breath.
Tue Apr 7 09:51:31 2009
Andrea from Wrexham
Wrexham Councillors aren't suddenly going to listen to anybody now flower. They didn't listen to anyone when thousands voted against the demolition of the Vegetable Market. They didn't listen to parents who voiced concerns about the "super schools". They devised that crazy road system by the old Wrexham Lager works so that now we can't even drive straight up the Mold Road. Wrexham Council, which is mostly male, needs to be put out to pasture.
Mon Apr 6 10:17:51 2009
Andy, Acrefair
I agree totally with Wil of Wrexham - it is about time that the councillors the people of Wrexham elected to represent them, actually listened to what the people actually want. Let them walk the streets of Wrexham and speak to the shoppers there and ask them did they really want EM - they only have to read the comments on this site and they will realise the answer is NO!
Wed Apr 1 08:58:28 2009
Amy, Wrexham
Headline in the Wrexham Evening Leader said that the Continental market held in the 'town centre' was a great sucess - funny, I thought the market had been held at EM, which is NOT THE TOWN CENTRE NO MATTER HOW MUCH WCBC WOULD LIKE TO THINK IT IS! The council should just admit they got it completely wrong with EM and get the town centre manager off her butt and do some work - get new business to come into the empty shops in the real town centre, give them rent rebates - it's what they did to get the businesses to move up to EM in the first place.
Wed Apr 1 08:58:00 2009
Nick, Wrexham
The best thing about EM is the new Nando's. If you haven't already you should try it. They have another one in Ellesmere Port but this one at EM is even better. Brilliant value for money and even the soft drinks are bottomless so you pay for one and can fill it up as much as you like. My two kids absolutely love it. Worth visiting EM just for their chicken.
Wed Apr 1 08:45:32 2009
Wil, Wrexham.
Do ANY of our local councillors EVER visit this site or are all these comments going unheard? I dare Aled Rhys to offer a comment here, he had enough to say in the Council's own useless publication which dropped through my letter-box this morning together with my 2009/10 Council Tax demand. Does the Council really know what their "planners" (ha-ha) are allowing to happen to OUR town centre?
Tue Mar 31 08:16:46 2009
Linda (Acrefair)
I was in Wrexham on Saturday and only spent an hour there as it's too expensive to park for too long and with all the out of town shops you don't really need to go in for anything else. I was talking to my son and he said that once Tesco comes to Cefn Mawr, he will have no need to go into town as sports shops are on Plas Coch and shopping more local and save petrol and parking also. I feel that Wrexham Council have shot themselves in the foot with so many out of town developments and have now pulled down the Hippodrome which looks a complete eyesore at the moment. What will go there - another new shop to stand empty with the rest of them?
Mon Mar 30 12:55:43 2009
Albert Taylor, Wrexham
With EM now having been open to the public since 30th October 2008, maybe it's time to set up an online vote for shoppers to express their views 'for' or 'against'.
Thu Mar 26 09:30:42 2009
Amy, Wrexham
I have just read in the Wrexham Evening Leader that the continental market will be at EM from tomorrow to Saturday. I take it that this is the same market that used to set up on Queens Sq in Wrexham, which was central and therefore accessable to all - not the case at EM, where only those who have a car, or are young enough to walk all the way across town can now enjoy the market. I trust WCBC will ensure that the market will make another visit to Queens Sq in the very near future, or is it just another example of WCBC wanting to shut out the main town and concentrate on EM alone?
Wed Mar 25 11:32:43 2009
Andrea from Wrexham
Gaz, I shall not take you up on the suggestion that I leave town, thanks all the same. I ask you instead to consider what are the criteria for a thriving shopping centre. Such a place should have a wide and varied selection of stores where the purchasing public can buy all manner of goods without leaving their own area. It should cater for all age groups and a wide variety of life styles. Wrexham is failing in this. By and large, it caters for the under 30 age group. Why, I wonder does no-one from the council ever come onto this forum to allay our fears. They must know of its existence. What is anyone of our representatives actually doing to attract new businesses, not more of the same but really new and innovative outlets? You will note that I do not use the word shops but businesses e.g. clubs, practitioners, services, organisations, hobbies. One thing though I can commend is the street cleaners of Wrexham who do an amazing job at the close of business in the town centre.
Mon Mar 23 15:07:08 2009
Dawn, Wrexham
I agree with the comments about the empty shops. However the only shops that are moving in are charity ones - that does little for the job market as they provide no or little paid jobs (typically only the manager gets paid). Charity shops are complaining that they are getting very few donations due to the credit crunch, the last thing people need is more competition. I bet the existing ones are not happy since some have been there for a very long time. The council needs to encourage more big name shops to the town centre and discourage charity ones. Since Woolies has gone, there are no big names with big stores in the town centre, and any new names are hardly going to be encouraged to come in. Whereas before Eagles Meadow, yes they probably would have. As someone who can't drive, I find it very time consuming and annoying to get around Wrexham these days. Having the shops in the town centre meant that I could get all my shopping done in a reasonable time. These days I waste at least an hour simply walking from A to B. Yes, I know there is a bus service, but the bus does not get me everywhere (for example from Tesco to Eagles Meadow) and I am way too young to need a mobility scooter. Not to mention the added expense of paying an additional bus fare - the only ones that don't pay an additional bus fare are either ones who have Arriva tickets (not all bus services coming into Wrexham are served by an Arriva bus) or have a free bus pass. Not to mention the sheer tiredness of actually carrying tons of bags everywhere (at least car owners have a boot!). Before Eagles Meadow I could get my shopping done in almost half the time. I don't bother going to M&S any more because it's the hassle of getting there makes it less worthwhile for what I want. Not to mention each time I walk on the bridge it makes me feel sick.
Mon Mar 23 08:43:43 2009
Wil, Wrexham.
For Gaz, Wrexham. You are right, some of the doom-merchants are OTT, but so are you in your criticism of Andrea's comments. She is just as entitled to an opinion as any other contributor, including you and I without being invited to leave what is, probably, her home town. Read ALL the comments, she isn't alone with her opinion by a long way. Chester affluent? Of course it is, it's full of disillusioned shoppers from Wrexham spending their money without having to catch a bus or taxi from one shop, (Sainsbury's) to another, (Matalan). Repeat, read ALL the comments!
Mon Mar 23 08:40:42 2009
Phil from Manchester
S in Smithfield says "Well done Richard in Nantwich, in a single sentence you have summed up what we have all been saying: 'There is no need to even go into the town centre'. If you come all the way to Wrexham and do not go beyond EM then it is of no benefit to the rest of the town at all."
Well, except last Sunday when I bought books from Waterstones, CDs from HMV, a gift from Laura Ashley, some undies from TK Maxx and a few bits and bobs from Asda Living. I don't seem to recall those shops in Eagles Meadow?
Mon Mar 23 08:29:20 2009
Jason C, Wrexham
I seem to agree with the comments that people have said about Eagles Meadows being a waste of money. There is more space for car parking than shops. The first time I saw it I was disgusted at the way it looked. I expected it to be bigger, more floors, instead of just one floor that contains the Odeon and bowling place.
Mon Mar 23 08:25:47 2009
Sue, Wrexham
So, our worst fears for the town centre have been realised. I walked from HSBC to WHSmith, counted 36 premises, 5 phone shops, 4 banks, 1 travel agents & 1 opticians, and 11 EMPTY PREMISES. That makes for more than 1 in 3 retail premises, i.e. SHOPS, yes SHOPS where you might want to actually buy something more than once every couple of years, empty. Pathetic, even by national standards in this recession - that's more than 1 in 3 shops empty, way above the UK average (about 3 times higher in Wxm). So - who is going to take the rap for this? What does the Wrexham Council propose to do? Are they content to sit by while the town rots for want of trade? It feels like they do not care one bit about smaller retailers and local shops. Let the big supermarkets dominate the town instead, sapping money away from the local economy. I wasn't born in Wrexham. I chose to live here - sometimes I wonder why. About 12 years ago, it seemed things were moving forward towards improving the town. I want to have faith in the place. Why has the Council lost its way? It could be a great town, yet those we elected to care for it and profess to have its interests at heart are letting it disintegrate. If the council are incapable of sorting it out, new people need to come on board.
Fri Mar 20 12:36:20 2009
Gaz, Wrexham
I agree with comments about the Odeon, think it was much better located at Plas Coch, think Odeon will live to regret the move. Also, the drainage works at EM are a disgrace really in a brand new, multi-million pound development. On the other hand, in my opinion some doom merchants on here are going a bit OTT, some of the comments are borderline comical: " Nothing, I repeat, NOTHING will save this town" Andrea, Wrexham: You paint a picture as if Wrexham is about to become a post-apocalyptic wasteland akin to the Mad Max films. In reality, the world economy is in dire straits, and Wrexham is showing the same symptoms as most other towns and cities in the country. Yes, Wrexham does have some problems, but to say the place is doomed is ridiculous. I think you will find that Wrexham will still be here in 20 years' time, and although it has some problems now, these are, in my opinion far outweighed by the positives the town has to offer. I mean people are fond of comparing Wrexham to Chester, but you have to remember that Chester is one of the most affluent cities in the UK. On the otherhand, I've been to A LOT of other towns, and worked in other towns, which are a lot worse than Wrexham. If you hate Wrexham so much, and think it is doomed, why not re-locate to somewhere like Rhyl, or maybe Birkenhead or Crewe?
Thu Mar 19 14:21:33 2009
Lundi09
It's ridiculous how absolutely everything is closing before our eyes. What's worse is that people like me have no job to move into - only after finishing a 4year degree at university. So many debts to pay back and no job to help me out. We can't even move because it's effecting everyone. Anyone in the same situation?
Thu Mar 19 14:17:01 2009
Andrea from Wrexham
My daughter went to the newly located cinema and was not impressed. Only six people in there, ok, Monday night but really. I wonder if it has occurred to people yet that they won't be getting free parking any more when they want to see a film. All these drainage works too at Eagles Meadow. The contractors ought to be ashamed. Why wasn't it built to the correct falls in the first place? Nothing, I repeat, NOTHING will save this town unless at least 20 brand new stores relocate here in the near future to provide a new stimulus for the town.
Wed Mar 18 09:23:48 2009
Amy, Wrexham
To Chris Duffy - An excellent question, and one that has been asked on numerous occasions on this site, and still the town centre manager does not have an answer. The town is dying. I went into town on Saturday, and for the first time in a number of years, I was able to park in Island Green and why, because people are going to Chester instead - and how do I know this? I was walking past HMV, when a woman asked me where the new shopping centre was - I explained the long walk she would have to take, or the way to drive to EM, and she said you have to be joking, I will go to Chester, it is a lot easier!
Mon Mar 16 13:26:05 2009
Chris Duffy, Wrexham
EM is pointless... they spent all that money to build EM just to put the same shops we already had in the town centre. Why? All the shops have moved from town centre. What's going to happen with all the old empty shops?
Mon Mar 16 08:53:59 2009
Lewis from Wrexham
I think Eagles Meadow is a waste of money, time and space. I mean, instead of developing a shopping centre, which we don't even need. Why not set up some form of entertainment?
Thu Mar 12 10:42:55 2009
Adam from Wrexham
In my opinion EM is a big mistake, it is killing our town centre! It looks quite nice but would look a lot better with a roof and if the shop choice was better. I am sure most people living in Wrexham would agree!
Thu Mar 12 10:26:04 2009
Craig
Can somebody please knock it down and move all the shops back into the town centre? Instead of moving the Odeon to EM why didn't they knock down Franky and Benny's next door and make it bigger to fit a 3D screen and the extra refreshment facilities? What a waste of £4.5 million. I'm sure Odeon will regret it in time.
Tue Mar 3 07:59:27 2009
Richard from Nantwich
When I visited I DID visit the town centre. But in future visits unless there is something specific I want from the town centre I will just visit EM & Tesco.
Mon Feb 23 08:52:59 2009
Andy, Wrexham
To Richard of Nantwich - you are correct in what you say - NOT! The residents of Wrexham, of which you are clearly not, want the town centre to have investment in and fill in the now empty shops thanks to the new prison, sorry shopping centre, EM.
Thu Feb 19 08:40:13 2009
S in Smithfield
Well done Richard in Nantwich, in a single sentence you have summed up what we have all been saying: 'There is no need to even go into the town centre'. If you come all the way to Wrexham and do not go beyond EM then it is of no benefit to the rest of the town at all.
Wed Feb 18 09:53:00 2009
Steve, Wrexham Town Centre
Re Darren, Garden Village. Spot on with your comments about the council. I've lived here all my life, nearly 50 years. I went to the closest school in the town centre and remember all the old buildings as the bus passed Chester street and high street. As a kid we'd go to Bushfield's market, as we called it. What a lovely building! Never mind, they knocked that down too.
Tue Feb 17 09:30:36 2009
Richard from Nantwich
I've visited today for the first time and I have to say I'm very impressed. A good selection of shops and food/drink options, a secure car park makes it an overall success in my eyes. There is no need to even go into the town centre anymore. I hope EM goes from strength to strength.
Tue Feb 17 09:25:32 2009
Phil
I simply cannot believe that a new development that adds new shops to Wrexham can be described as "it seems to cater for just the women as there's not much for the men there". What rubbish. New Debenhams, new Next, new H&M and the outdoor shop whose name escapes me! Silly talk!
Mon Feb 16 09:08:03 2009
Lee from Acton
What's going on with all the lights in EM car park?! It's like Blackpool whenever I go past. What a massive waste of energy for a car park which only has a dozen cars in at night!
Mon Feb 16 08:52:00 2009
James, High Street, Wrexham
OK, let's get the criticism out of the way. The scheme does NOT interact with the town centre, the number of people who regularly ask on High Street 'where is the entrance to the new shopping centre?' indicates it's failed its first objective. In addition to this the link bridge (which I think was the one used in the Indiana Jones film) is rubbish and under engineered. What is needed is to create a fantastic entrance, which shows the scheme from High Street and to widen the bridge by 2 or 3 times, removing the 'bounce' effect when crossing. Then and only then will EM be part of Wrexham town centre and meet its first objective and work with the town centre. The vacant shops in the scheme and Hope Street will let over time. EM is on the face of it a good scheme and will attract new retailers to Wrexham providing employment and visitors it just needs a user friendly entrance and a foot bridge!
Mon Feb 9 10:12:50 2009
Al from Wrexham
Walked around there on Friday. They are digging it up already, I think it was a rush job to get it open on time.
Mon Feb 9 10:00:37 2009
Wrexham
What a complete waste of cash. I went there, walked round which took me all of 5 mins and thought is that it? Also it seems to cater for just the women as there's not much for the men there and no roof, what's that all about? I'd rather go to Chester!
Tue Feb 3 10:09:23 2009
Darren, Garden Village
This, sadly, is further evidence of the council's myopic vision for the town's future and disregard for its heritage. A cursory glance at the planning history reveals a catalogue of woeful decisions stretching back forty years. My particular favourite was the decision to replace the Victorian market with the People's Market. A beautiful building with mock-Tudor facades destroyed and swapped (many years later) for what can only be described as a dingy eyesore. The council planning department should be dragged in front of a jury to answer crimes against humanity. The money-grabbing idiots. I'm surprised St Giles is still there, surely that prime real-estate could be used for a new shopping experience...
Mon Feb 2 09:34:09 2009
Andrea from Wrexham
What with all the jobs being lost up and down the country and the news yesterday that certain councils are laying off staff, it would be interesting to know what measures WCBC is taking to reduce costs!
Fri Jan 30 09:24:37 2009
Amy, Wrexham
Eddie - nice comments, I agree. Andrea - you raise some excellent points - but if someone from our council were to actually get off their backsides and do something for the high salary they are paid, then that would mean they were actually worth what we paid them, and we all know that there is not one WCBC employee or councillor who is worth that.
Thu Jan 29 09:49:44 2009
S in Smithfield
...but had the Council paid more than lip service to its 'Pride in our Streets' then that litter mentioned by Eddie would not be there to blow down the boarded-up street...
Wed Jan 28 09:05:56 2009
Andrea from Wrexham
I think I have mentioned before that I have written personally to several stores asking them to consider opening branches in Wrexham. I have also contacted M & S to beg them to re-open a Food Hall but I would be delighted if they moved back in their entirety and I would guess that the old Woolworths would be an ideal site for not many will remember that it has a basement there too. I once drew up a list of all the retail stores in the country, high street types that is. There are still loads and loads which we do not have. Is it too much trouble and humbug for someone employed by our council to do the same and approach some of these stores?
Wed Jan 28 08:58:38 2009
Eddie, Wrexham
So, WCBC have cut the cost of parking in Wrexham in a 'bold move' [Evening Leader] which is supposed to bring more shoppers into town to spend their hard earned cash. My question to WCBC is simply this - spend their cash where? Let's be fair, most of the main high street is just one empty shop after another. Once you get passed Waterstones and JJB, then you have no need to walk any further, because the shops aren't there. When Boots ups and moves to EM, there will be another huge shop to fill, and what are the councillors of Wrexham doing for their extremely high salary? Nothing! They are just sitting back and watching Wrexham die a death. They can't afford to admit that EM was a mistake, so they just do nothing, burying their heads in the sand. A vote of no confidence in the council is needed. New blood, and new business brought in before the only thing to be seen in the high street will be the litter blowing in the wind.
Mon Jan 26 12:37:28 2009
Amy, Wrexham
To Ali - yes is would be a crying shame if the town centre was to become a ghost town, but the very last thing Wrexham need are more pubs and clubs in the centre of town. What the people of Wrexham want and need are more shops. The town manager should be trying to get businesses in with the same rent and rate discounts that were offered to the stores that up and moved to Eagles Meadow. Not everyone who comes into Wrexham wants or indeed can get to Eagles Meadow to shop, and speaking to someone who works in M&S, talks are in place to get another property back in the main street in town, as they are not happy with the lack of customers they are getting at Eagles Meadow - they are apparently ready to admit they have made a mistake - something I am afraid the rest of those stores that moved will be doing in the future. I say more shops less pubs and I know most agree with me
Thu Jan 22 11:32:11 2009
Ali, Wrexham
I like the new EM development, there is now a much better choice of shops where normally I would go to Chester, however, there are still empty units there. Are they going to be filled? If so what with? With the town centre now offically dead (despite what the coulcil members try to say). What to do with the town centre should be the next question. In my opinion the town centre is crying out to become a leisure area full of bars, cafes and resturants. Wrexham town itself is very poor for good quality places to eat centrally. Fine if you want a burger (which I enjoy) but we can do better. Most of all I would hate to see the town centre become a ghost town, it deserves better.
Wed Jan 21 09:55:21 2009
S from Wrexham
It has only been 3 months since Eagles Meadow and the Evening Leader reports that there are fears that Wrexham town centre was becoming a 'ghost town'. Eagles Meadow was hyped up as costing £100m yet the development was sold for £79m? So what's going on there then? How long will it be before it is reported that shops in Eagles Meadow are pulling out of the centre I wonder? This is another fine mess you've got us into Wrexham Council!
Wed Jan 21 09:30:21 2009
Amy, Wrexham
Well I see that the town manager has finally come out of her bunker to face the music. On the Evening Leader website this afternoon, she says she is confident that the town centre will survive the current downturn - really? With shops closing left right and centre, I for one have serious doubts. It is a crying shame to see the state of the town now that most of the shops are empty, and what does our loyal council plan to do? Put our council tax up, cut our sevices, give themselves a massive pay rise, and for those empty shops - well Wrexham can't have too many pubs, poundshops or betting shops now can it.
Tue Jan 20 09:30:11 2009
Andrea from Wrexham
To Jo. You say you have friends who work at EM and they report the shops are doing well. They well may be for the short term as they are not paying full rent and rates yet so their profits at the moment cannot be judged in real terms. I for one have lost all incentive to go into town any more. Hope Street is like a ghost town now with the demise of Woolworths. Whereas I used to love to just "pop into" Marks and very often would buy something in the food hall, now a trip to Marks has become far too much humbug. The most vibrant shopping area in the town is Island Green in my opinion.
Thu Jan 15 10:23:36 2009
Julian, Wrexham
Regarding Wrexham town current situation. We are all entitled to our own opinion of the new Eagles Meadow development nr the town centre. I have been there personally twice to shop and once during the evening to a friend's party at the bowling alley. It seems a lovely place to the human eye, but at what cost? The people of Caia Park seem to have mixed views as do the folk of the wider Wrexham population. Is it of benefit? Well, to encourage large shops such as Debenhams and H&M into the site must be a good thing for Wrexham shoppers and give those without the ability to travel further afield more choice. Personally, I think the development will slowly detract from the town centre itself with the movement of Marks & Spencer and other stores from the Hope Street area and Island Green shopping facility. I still prefer to travel to Chester or Manchester myself and have wider choice. Parking at the EM site is also a sore subject as if you prefer free parking, then you end up parking at another nearby store and walking rather than lining the council's pockets further than you already have done with your council tax! It's unfortunate that the cinema has decided to move to the complex along with Frankie & Benny's as this attempts to remove the free and spacious parking currently enjoyed by both at the Plas Coch development. Will this have a knock-on effect with their retail takings...only time will tell! As for our council tax, well, that will only increase due to the levels of youth that decide to congregate around the EM site after dark, no doubt attracting attention from the police with subsequent cost to the hard working tax payer! Welcome to Wrexham!
Wed Jan 14 10:04:43 2009
S in Smithfield
To Alf in Westward Ho! Hopefully you enjoyed your visit to see your aunt and I trust she can access EM easily, though where Dial-a Ride and Shopmobility drop people off is beyond me. A drop-off point/bus stop not on the main road would have been a simple alteration and still can be, given the space in front of Next. And safer. I just had to take you up on your point that EM is not a standard development. It is. The layout of shops, flats, the positioning of Debenhams plus the pedestrian bridge are replicated in a design being foisted on Lancaster. I understand from contacts that the identical design has been used on a couple of other sites, by different developers. It's just a shame that something innovative and in keeping with the current emphasis on 'green' design was not chosen eg a living roof that absorbs rainwater and UV, water recycling feeding broadleaf trees that absorb CO2 and soften the perimeter of the development. Nothing pulls in the crowds better than an award nominated/winning design. An off-the-shelf design surrounded by square metres of tarmac (so as not to impede the view of the CCTV) is disappointing.
Wed Jan 14 09:15:34 2009
Gary, Wrexham
Reply to Wil - I agree with the intentions of your idea (a factory), but you have to be realistic. Unfortunately, the manufacturing industy in the UK is on its knees these days, and it is in my opinion completely unrealistic to just build a factory at EM. A factory is only as good as its order book (I should know, I worked in one for 5 years until recently). So what would this factory manufacture in order to stay afloat, especially given that half the factories on the Industrial Estate are empty now? (Why plonk a factory at EM when we have the UK's 2nd largest industrial estate sitting there half empty, and the ones that aren't (like JCB, Hoya etc) are on borrowed time). EM is also criticised for being an eyesore, and I can see why (I personally like some of the design, but I think the external walls are too high and imposing), but trust me a factory would be a whole lot worse - factories are dirty, ugly and messy! I think EM's main problem is they have tried to squeeze too much into too small an area. I think it should have been used as originally intended, with just a bowling alley and possibly a cinema there, as these would benefit the town without being as detrimental to local residents. Instead, they have tried to fit bowling, cinema, all these department stores, parking, and useless apartments into one area.
Mon Jan 12 08:44:12 2009
Concerned, Wrexham
I have read the comments regarding EM with interest, and I have to confess that I am also concerned not only for the future of the town, but for EM itself. With Debenhams and M&S announcing losses, with job cuts across the board, how long will it be before Wrexham is affected? I must say that the ideas laid down by S of Smithfield were excellent, it is a shame that the local residents didn't get an imput before planning was forced through by the Council. Now I understand that the complex has been sold for £79 million (Evening Leader website 9/1/09), yet it cost developers £150 million to build. It will be a shame if EM does go belly up, and from comments on this site and on speaking to workers at the phone shops and M&S at EM, they are regretting the move already, then Wrexham will have a real problem having to redevelop. Only time will tell, but short term things are not looking good.
Mon Jan 12 08:38:59 2009
Jo, Wrexham
My cousin works at Eagles Meadow and apparently the shops are doing really well, so hopefully none of them will close down. I think it's great that we finally have somewhere decent to go at night for dinner and a movie. I also like the fact that there isn't a roof - it's much more environmentally friendly not having air conditioning and heating, and the view of the church is fantastic. It's there now - you might as well make the most of it!
Fri Jan 9 15:40:58 2009
Alf from Westward Ho!
I was frankly astounded at the transformation of Wrexham when visiting my Auntie Gladys at Christmas. Yes, Hope Street is going to suffer in the short term but that's a common impact of a new shopping centre in most town centres. I think Eagles Meadow is a triumph and as we come out of this recession I think Hope Street will recover and there will be two distinct but integrated parts of the town centre appealing to shoppers of all ages, shapes and sizes. It's not exactly far from the town centre so perhaps the elderly for whom so many seem to be able to talk can get off at a different bus stop and Shopmobility will be offering a full range of services in the near future.
To S in Smithfield, this is far from a standard development layout. Your ideas for the town centre are all very wise but the pattern of disparate ownership in many towns makes this nigh on impossible. I think a scheme that involved compulsory purchase of large areas of privately owned land would have gone down a lot worse. Give Eagles Meadow a chance; it's a terrible feature of the British psyche to be automatically negative and pessimistic of change. I guess it must be a novelty having something to talk about in Wrexham.
Fri Jan 9 15:40:33 2009
S in Smithfield
To Lee in LONDON. Not against the investment in EM per se but to answer your question: (a) a proper Park and Ride scheme for the town that would deliver shoppers to (b) a revamped bus station area replacing those bland tatty white concrete structures on the north side with Debenhams being the anchor store at the top of Regent Street, by the bus station, close to the rail station and closer to Island Green etc, with M&S remaining the key anchor store at the lower end of the shopping area with (c) EM used for family-orientated town houses (not pokey over-priced flats for the mythical young professional couple), landscaped with small piazzas for small retailers/independents or specialist shops. It could have been an extension of the residential area up to the back of the Wynnstay and utilised the still derelict site next to the pub that has been there for a decade plus. The current EM is a standard development layout used elsewhere which is why it sits badly with the town centre layout. But what do I know, I only live here...
Fri Jan 9 13:38:04 2009
Wil, Wrexham.
Reply to Lee, London. A factory generating work for locals to earn a decent wage, not a shop wage. To permit purchase, by locals, of some of the so-called affordable housing, which isn't affordable on shop wages, but is being built against the democratic wishes of local people.
Fri Jan 9 12:32:48 2009
Lee, London
To pose a question to those who do not like, or simply disapprove of the Eagle Meadows Complex - what would you have liked to have been built there instead?
Fri Jan 9 07:36:52 2009
Andrea from Wrexham
I haven't posted on here in a while because I have been giving things a chance to settle down, bed themselves in you might say. Now though I am really worried. Few people realise that the new stores are on enhanced rents etc and have a quick release opt out of their contracts should the going get tough. I think we are going to see quite a few of the units at EM become empty again over the next few months even before the others get filled. Oh and I know we have to allow access for the emergency services but the place does look very bleak, very grey indeed. More planting and seating areas would break up the monotony.
Thu Jan 8 10:28:02 2009
SAC, Wrexham
It was on BBC Wales news last night about the closure of the Woolworths stores, and how this would affect the towns across Wales. Given that Adams has now gone into admin and will close its stores, a chartered surveyor was speaking saying that the out of town retail parks should now be a thing of the past, and developers and councils alike should concentrate on bringing business into the towns. I listened to this with interest, given the big mistake Wrexham now has to live with ie EM. If covered shopping centres did go out in the 80s as TP states, then why oh why bother to build the jail, sorry! shopping park Wrexham now has, and not spend cash improving the town itself? When Debenhams and M&S pull out of EM then maybe we could have a change of use for the EM Complex - after all WCBC is all in favour of a prison in the town, and let's be fair, do they ever bother to consult with residents over what they want - so purpose built building!
Thu Jan 8 09:56:33 2009
TP, Wrexham
The general attitude on this forum suggests that we should demolish EM, move everything into town, and everything will be great! I think we need to look at this from a long term perspective - yes, there are empty units in EM and in town, and with the current climate these are likely to remain so for a few years. But, at least there is now something different in town instead of another retail park. Retailers are more likely to be attracted to EM than town, as it consists of brand new empty shells that can be fitted out to their own requirements. Covered shopping malls went out of fashion in the 1980s, so it's nice to have something modern for once in Wrexham. And personally speaking, I think it's fantastic to have family entertainment such as the cinema, bowling and restaurants within walking distance. What have we had before - pubs and bars? However, I do agree that the council need to maintain EM and not let it fall into disrepair, as well as improve the rest of the town centre. This will be a tough one, as the council struggle to do anything half decent. I say stop moaning about EM, direct your attention to ensuring that the council keep up the momentum in improving Wrexham for everyone.
Wed Jan 7 08:17:56 2009
Amy, Wrexham
The town centre manager is Isabelle Watson. Good luck getting through to her though - whenever I have tried to speak to her to ask what is being done to bring new business into the middle of town, she is either at lunch, or in a meeting. It would be easier to get an audience with the Pope! It is obvious that the WCBC employees, nor the Councillors themselves don't give a flying fig for the middle of town - EM is a mistake, but no one will admit it. With Next and Debenhams announcing losses this morning, and M&S getting rid of 1,000 jobs, how long before these 'flagship' stores at EM are empty - and I for one will say I told you so.
Tue Jan 6 10:48:29 2009
Wil, Wrexham.
Does our Town Planner or any of his staff ever visit this site? We all know that our elected councillors don't, or there would be a response, surely? Wrexham, the only mile and a half long shopping area (B&Q TO E/M) in the North with a great big, and getting bigger, complex of empty shops in the middle.
Tue Jan 6 08:17:30 2009
Carly Ann - Wrexham
To S in Smithfield and all those who have voiced their disapproval of EM - voices of reason! I agree whole heartedly with everything that has been said. My aunt came from Scotland to visit over Xmas and was saddened to see the number of empty shops in the middle of town. I was at a loss as to give her any answers as to when anything would be done to by the Council to re-invest in the town. To be fair, I took her up to EM, and we spent an hour looking around - it was in fact my first visit as well. We were both bitterly disappointed with the quality of the build and the fact that you were no better off than we used to be shopping in the middle of town, no better protected from the elements in this shopping centre, so I too ask the question, why no roof? It is now vitally important that the Council town manager does everything to get more business into the middle of town and put a stop to all the pubs and clubs, let's be fair, the people of Wrexham want to shop in the town centre, not drink the day away!
Mon Jan 5 09:22:14 2009
S in Smithfield, Wrexham
To Chris, Paul and all those who champion EM as the best thing to come to Wrexham since sliced bread. Yes, the majority of the rest of us who contribute here do not disagree that the old Eagles Meadow was a tired and unimaginatively used piece of real estate that could be better employed. Where we part ways in our views is the manner in which the Council found a solution and the exact nature of that solution. Here in Smithfield there is no escaping the presence of EM, from the initial crack-inducing pile drivers, the dislodged rat population, electronic interference from the 12 cranes and all those building vehicles parked in adjoining residential streets. We put up with all that, including seeing the financial sweetners from the developers go off to Caia Park (why?) - all without anything more than token opportunity to put our objections etc. Thus this is one of the few places to make our voices heard. The Council had already decided the development would take place, irrespective of the views of Wrexham's people. Part of the trouble is the Council loves shiny new toys but fails to follow up looking after them - think of all that expensive paving in Town Hill and Abbotts Road, now cracking and patched with tarmac due to a lack of basic maintenance. So shall it be with EM. WCBC now needs to step up and promote the whole town, make it attractive to visit eg Park and Ride, implement its Urban Tree Policy and also Pride In Our Streets, prove it has a co-ordinated vision.
Fri Jan 2 10:54:57 2009
Paul - Johnstown
Reading most of the posts on here is depressing, what the hell is the matter with you all? Eagles Meadow is one of the best things to happen to Wrexham in a very long time. Moan, moan, moan, come on if you don't like it don't bother going.
Tue Dec 30 10:06:39 2008
Lucy from Wrexham
I do agree with people that say it'll affect the town centre with all the shops closing down etc. but for some shops, such as Woolworths, this is also due to the effect of the recession. But it'd be wrong to say that the centre will be 'deserted', there's still plenty of shops in the centre that many people will still want to visit, such as New Look, Primark, Waterstones and T K Maxx. I think Eagles Meadow can only be seen as a good addition to the town, and in all fairness, it's not THAT far away from the town centre. I appreciate that the elderly may find it slightly too far, but there are buses from the bus station if you find yourself in that situation. I think it's brought the standard of shopping in Wrexham up by allowing new shops such as Debenhams and H&M to open up. Also, it can only be seen as a good thing that the cinema will be moving so much closer to the town centre...right?!
Tue Dec 30 10:05:07 2008
Ally, Wrexham
Chris - if this is the best thing to happen to Wrexham in years, then all I can say is may the Gods help us!
Mon Dec 29 11:31:24 2008
Megan, Wrexham
Eagles Meadow has been very badly designed. It should have been all under cover and the gimmicky bridge is a nightmare. I have only visited once and spent only about 15 minutes looking around. I didn't buy anything.
Mon Dec 29 11:19:37 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
For Chris, Wrexham, and others, I've said before on this site we are all, even you, Chris, entitled to our opinion, that's what keeps this discussion going. I've only been to E/M twice so far, not enough to form an opinion, but what concerns me, and many others, is what will happen to the town centre? Hope St, Regent St, Lord St, etc. are STILL the town centre as far as I and many others are concerned, all the other minor shopping centres scattered about the town are just the result of our less than competent "planners". I fear the influx of yet more pound and charity shops plus a migration of the clubs etc. from Brook Street up the hill to the town centre. Anyone want to buy a Banksie? There'll be plenty of them on the boarded-up shop-fronts before the Council re-develop Hope St area with un-affordable "affordable" housing.
Mon Dec 29 10:28:15 2008
Michael Jones, Sheffield
I fondly remember Eagles Meadows from the early sixties. It was an exotic playground for we children from Hightown who had developed a maturity and poise sufficient to explore so far from home. Eight was the usual qualifying age and explorations also involved heart-thumping invasions of the nearby Cheetham's scrapyard and the Border Brewery pop factory across the road. Ah...the great winter of 1963; sitting in a broken washing-up bowl and traversing at great speed the ice sheets which covered the steep slopes bordering Eagles Meadows on the Hightown side. (The bowl doesn't carry you forward like a car you know - it twists and spins and jiggles you about.) Whatever you have become, EM, you are fondly remembered over here in Steel City - a place of adventure, innocence, benevolence and deeply satisfying amounts of mud.
Mon Dec 29 10:26:50 2008
Chris, Wrexham
Typical Wrexham, the best thing to happen to us in years and all you lot can do is complain.
Tue Dec 23 07:36:49 2008
Ken, Ruabon
Planners, where are you? Wrexham now has Plas Coch, Island Green, The Old Lager Brewery, Old Town Centre, Eagles Meadow and Tesco - Asda Area. There is no decent traffic system, no cohesion to the shopping centres and there doesn't seem to be an overall plan for the town. Then people are expected to live on estates with nowhere to walk to buy a loaf or a bottle of milk, way out in the sticks. The town matches the football team...down in the lower divisions. Not everyone wants pound shops, pubs and night clubs. Lets hope you can climb nearer Premiership status!
Tue Dec 23 07:26:26 2008
Nick, Webteam
Hi, we're blogging about the [wobbly] new footbridge and a new study of bridges that explains how and why this happens. Please take a look.
Thu Dec 18 08:32:30 2008
Rachel from Wrexham
Totally agree with that comment...the last thing Wrexham needs is more pubs, we have enough as it is. I recently went to Eagles Meadow - nice shops and all but I don't think they thought one bit about the elderly when they made this. It took ages to walk to M+S and the place was like a maze. I found it frustrating that it was so big. To me the fun of shopping in Wrexham is looking and buying in typical little town shops and the markets, not massive superstores that belong in cities. This project has taken the atmosphere out of the centre of the town and to close down the high street shops is disgusting. Wrexham is not a city it's a town and I wish people would leave it like that instead of TRYING to be bigger and better than places like Chester. This is a teenager telling you this, doesn't this tell you something dull development people?!
Mon Dec 15 08:38:16 2008
Mr Edward Symmons, Wrexham
Well, Woolworths is another store soon to become empty on the high street in Wrexham. I prey that the council do not allow yet another pub to take over, as they have with M&S and Burtons. The last thing Wrexham needs are more pubs. The public need more shops in the main town, for those who are unable, or just unwilling to go to Eagles Meadow. What is the town manager doing for her high salary?
Thu Dec 11 13:57:12 2008
Gareth
I thought the new project was ok, parking excellent although wondered why the new development was built when so many of the High Street shops are empty. I accept that Marks have moved, but why? The council needs to consider what it is going to do with all the vacant buildings around the town and try and attract some companies into the area. My biggest fear is that the empty buildings will house cheap rubbish shops which will no doubt have an effect on other busnesses in the town. To sum up, Eagles Meadow development is all well and good but why build such an expensive complex away from the middle of town which will not be accessible to all?
Tue Dec 9 14:47:27 2008
Andrea from Wrexham
To Phil in Manchester. I take your point that shoppers in the past have made the trip all the way from King Street down to the "Beast Market" at Eagles Meadow but please bear in mind that was once a week and yes the market in its heyday was just about the best in North Wales. In more recent years however the open market struggled terribly. Personally, I still consider the area called Hope Street to be the town centre and the store that I miss the most in that area is Marks and Spencer. I feel sure that very soon we shall lose Woolworths too and that will be a very sad day indeed for the town.
Mon Dec 8 08:33:01 2008
Jim
Jim - I understand what you are saying and I agree with most of what you say. Indeed it makes sense to make use of existing buildings, and the more integrated a new development is with the existing town centre then the better. But in my opinion, it would be very difficult (OK not impossible but still not easy) to integrate EM into the existing town centre more so than it is, without demolishing (or buying out) a lot of shops and buildings in the process. Before the development started, EM was pretty much a big hole in the ground, cordoned off (and still is) from the rest of the town centre if you like by the Wynnstay hotel, all the shops in Charles Street and Mount Street. Now bearing in mind you can't just move the EM location itself, the only way I can think of further integrating it into the town centre would be by demolishing, or buying out and integrating most of if not all of the shops on Mount Street and Charles Street, as these are the shops which 'separate' EM from the rest of the town. If EM was a piece of spare land in the middle of the existing town centre, rather than being separated and on the edge of the town centre, then doing what you say would be a lot easier (although the council would still probably make a mess of it like the BHS area). To be fair though I think EM as a whole is a lot better than the likes of Island Green/Central/Border retail parks, and although not to everyone's taste is a lot more imaginative than those developments, and I think that even if the site is not that successful in the current economic climate, in the long term I think it will be very successful, and the existing vacant town centre shops will refill over time, hopefully not with pubs/clubs/bars!
Thu Dec 4 07:26:20 2008
Phil, Manchester
I remember through the '50s, '60s and '70s walking down to the open market all the way from the bus station in King St. It was thronging with people. Where was that market people found so attractive? Oh yes, Eagles Meadow of course!
Thu Dec 4 07:23:15 2008
Andy, Johnstown, Wrexham
It is a sad state of affairs when our town centre is allowed to be taken over by pubs and clubs. The planning dept of WCBC should hang their heads with shame - then again they have passed the housing plan on Erddig and the prison no-one wants in Wrexham, so I suppose it is to be expected. I would love to know what is planned for the remaining empty stores on the high st. With the credit crunch biting hard, it is a wonder anyone can afford to go out drinking - wouldn't it be a shame if these new pubs and clubs went belly up - NOT.
Thu Dec 4 07:20:41 2008
S in Wrexham
Jim - have you had a look at the Centros Miller development in Lancaster? That might answer a few questions on how the footprint of a specific development plan can be planted onto a town centre. Their proposed development is the same as EM but shoehorned into the centre of an urban area. Some old buildings will have to go, others may be saved as a front, with the new development behind. Something Wrexham managed to monumentally get wrong on the present site of BHS. Nothing wrong with progress, it's just that it (EM) could have been so much more if the Council had a grander strategy than just succumb to developer's preferences and then hope for city status. That and plant a few more trees...
Wed Dec 3 08:55:25 2008
Andrea from Wrexham
In my post of October 14th, I mentioned the notion of the old M & S being used as a Food Hall. I am so convinced that this would be a good idea that I have emailed the company several times and asked them to consider this option most seriously. However, it now looks as if the former store is going to become a bar along with the former Burtons on the corner. How very very sad. Does anyone realise, I wonder, that there is a sprung dance floor at the top of Burtons where I went along for many years to ballroom dancing lessons with Ron and Mary Davies? Wrexham was a fabulous town for all age groups in the '60s with old stores like Wright's Corner, Lloyd Williams, Mayfair, Marjorie Rees - all family businesses and doing well. The big chains were thriving. The Vegetable Market was central and used by all. Everyone was friendly. I know we cannot block progress but looking retrospectively not all progress is good.
Wed Dec 3 08:30:03 2008
Jim
Sue - fair comments about Woolworths, I thought you were blaming the closure on EM. And yes I agree, they should look to established areas for inspiration, but no matter what the design is, some people would like it, others would hate it, just like EM, it is impossible to please everybody - personally I quite like the design of EM, but I appreciate that others dislike it. However, you say the council/developers cannot do anything NOW about the location of EM, but to me surely they could NEVER have done anything anyway, as EM has been where it is for over a hundred years? How could they have re-located EM before the development started? Only way I could see they could do it is by destroying High Street, and building the complex there, and call it EM. I just don't see how you can change the location of an area, you can't just pick up the development land and plonk it somewhere else unless I'm missing something?
Tue Dec 2 07:33:46 2008
Dave, Wrexham
Jim, finally someone with some common sense. People have also got to bear in mind that this development is a commercial enterprise. And the fact that stores already in the town centre wish to re-locate there is a commercial decision by those stores. If EM proves successful and increases Wrexham's retail standing - then the empty stores will soon fill up, both at EM and Hope Street. People must give the place a chance to grow and develop.
Mon Dec 1 11:45:51 2008
Amy from Wrexham
I've not been to EM yet so I'm reserving judgement. I've heard mixed reviews from people shopping in the supermarket I work in. Most complaints are from the elderly who used to pop into town for M&S and now find that it's too much trouble to get to EM. I do notice that most of the shops there are a little pricey - I think I'll stick to my Primark and Peacocks providing they don't close down from lack of customers now. I was wandering round the town centre the other day absolutely amazed at how empty it was - it's like a ghost town. All I can say is I hope someone takes the opportunity to introduce some new and exciting shops in the town centre and maybe something a little different - a jazz club/blues bar maybe? Not sure how much interest there would be but I'm so sick of dance clubs pumping out rubbish all night. Maybe like Andrea said, a comedy club...? A nice, unpricey cafe? Something a bit different would be great.
Mon Dec 1 08:48:39 2008
Liz from Johnstown
I took my two daughters along with three friends to Tenpin in Eagles Meadow as it was my younger daughter's birthday. We all had a great time, it was good value for money, the staff were very helpful and friendly. I will definitely go there again.
Mon Dec 1 08:44:36 2008
Sue, Wrexham
Jim, I never said the closure of Woolworths was anything to do with EM - just that it is the last of the larger shops in that part of town (not including BHS, as it isn't on the main shopping street) - I heard the news about Woolworths when I got home that afternoon. Nor that Wrexham should "re-design itself to mimic Chester" - I actually said that shopping centre designers should look at the established ideas, like the Rows for inspiration. Because I was also shopping at Island Green, I parked there and my time in town was dictated by the parking ticket! I was not trying to cover all of town in one trip. I have to try to fit in short shopping sessions into a busy lifestyle, as I am sure most of us do. Most people do not have all day to simply browse the shops! Of course nothing can be done NOW about the location of EM. However, planners at the Council must have realised that it would attract the larger shops to move out of the established town centre. This seems to indicate a poor understanding of town planning/shopping habits. If you are sufficiently interested, try reading "Planning for Town Centres: Guidance on Design and Implementation Tools" (note point 2.4) or PPS6 "Planning Policy Statement 6:Planning for Town Centres" (note point 3.4). While some aspects, such as the integration of the underground parking, are relatively successful, other points are not. Apart from the demolition of the flyover and two new roundabouts, have you seen any improvement to the road network to get shoppers in and out? I haven't. Also, Tesco staff freely admit that their carpark is now congested with people shopping at EM and parking "for free". Not that many months ago, we were being sold the idea of EM as bringing lots of NEW shops to the town, but not that established shops would move out asap. Just to make myself clear, I am not saying that there are no new shops there, but that the larger chain stores have moved out of the town centre - the main shopping street has lost all its larger shops. Mike's suggestion of M & S possibly moving its food hall back into town is interesting, given the development of M & S foot only outlets (even at motorway service stations etc.) in recent years. But in the current economic climate, is that likely? Unfortunately for Wrexham, this has all coincided with an economic downturn. I am not saying that this could have been predicted 100%, but you should always plan for the unexpected, yes?
Mon Dec 1 08:42:43 2008
Andrea from Wrexham
Saturday 29th. Went into town today with double pushchair. Nice to see the town busy. My daughter suggested EM as well - bit of a trek down from Primark but went along. Once again, Wrexham never seem to manage to get all their Christmas lights to work at once but that is by the by. Streetlights on Yorke Street near EM entrance OUT completely. Bridge area and near Greggs very badly lit and the Spanish Steps area. Nice that it is uncovered now though and my grandchildren enjoyed the whoosh of the water. I wasn't too happy when approached though in the dark by a man (mid 20s) touting for money for his foreign friend. The giant Christmas tree was lovely but why nothing in M & S square (round)? The other lights at high level either not working or insignificant. Apparently a lingerie store is now opening in the old River Island and it is a well established chain so this is a welcome addition to the town. Oh and yes, Chester is wonderful if you are single and able bodied but not if you have a pushchair or a wheelchair - then, it's just not worth the hassle.
Mon Dec 1 08:31:43 2008
Kelly from Wrexham
What are you all complaining about? I think EM looks fantastic, this is what Wrexham has needed for a long time. New shops like Debenhams, H&M, Jane Norman and Bank and also new food places. Don't get why people are complaining that there is no roof, there's lots of people out there in poor countires that have no roof at all and you're complaining there is no roof while you do your shopping!
Mon Dec 1 07:57:16 2008
Jim
Sue, with all due respect, the probable closure of Woolworths has absolutely nothing to do with EM, and has everything to do with the fact that the chain has been struggling for years, and the current economic climate is the final nail in its coffin, just as it is for other companies such as MFI. I do a lot of shopping online also, but in my opinion, online shopping will never completely take over. Online shopping to me is ideal for items such as DVDs, music, as well as many other things, but in my opinion buying clothes/footwear etc online is not very good. You can't beat trying on clothes in a shop. In terms of Chester, yes Chester's rows are excellent, but how exactly can Wrexham re-design itself to mimic Chester? I think they would have to demolish the entire town to do so! In terms of EM location, what exactly could the council do? EM is where it is, the council cannot magically change the location of it, nor could the developers. I accept it might be too far away for some people, but comparing it to Chester is unfair because measuring the distance from one end of Chester's main shopping street to the other end (up by Argos), this distance to me seems greater than the distance from say Island Green to EM, the only difference being that Chester is on one main street. If you go into Wrexham and don't have time to go to EM, well that is essentially your fault, if you went to Chester with the same amount of time to spend, I don't think you would be able to go around all of Chester either.
Fri Nov 28 10:56:38 2008
Phil Shuker, Llangollen
Dow and the prospect of new rates revenue has swayed the councillors of Wrexham, mind you how many of them have ever had to earn their income from retail or commercialenterprises?
Fri Nov 28 10:54:02 2008
Ted, Connahs Quay
My wife and I drove to Wrexham to have a look at EM, big queue at silly parking meters. Got back in car drove into town. What jobsworth had those put in?
Fri Nov 28 10:05:52 2008
Mike Davies from Wrexham
I have shopped at the old M and S in the town centre all my life and, although it has always been a bit more expensive than other shops, usually the quality was better. Now it has moved to Eagles Meadows it has become expensive and inaccessible! I would love it if M and S showed some initiative and made the old building into a big food hall and maybe show some of the furniture that they sell.
Fri Nov 28 09:56:48 2008
Brian Stapley, Brymbo, Wrexham
If Andrea wants a comedy club in Wrexham, then if she gets time, try going to the Guildhall and sit in the public area and listen to some of the things that are said. If it wasn't for the fact that these people run our lives, it would be even more hilarious.
Fri Nov 28 09:56:07 2008
Joe from Wrexham
Can everyone stop getting on the negative side about Eagles Meadow? It is a great place and it doesn't matter if it has a roof or not.
Fri Nov 28 09:55:23 2008
S from Wrexham
Would it be possible for someone from the webteam (Nick?) to get a photo published of the bottom of Hope Street in Wrexham town centre? A picture of a boarded-up Marks & Spencer, an empty Burton Menswear etc with St Giles Parish Church in the background might rouse some interesting debate!
Thu Nov 27 15:16:31 2008
Sue, Wrexham
EM, only half open, is having the effect predicted on the town centre - it seemed like one in three shops were empty yesterday and now Woolworths will be set to go. I was in town to bank, thought I might be able to do some Christmas shopping, but most of the shops I wanted had moved out. EM is just that bit too far to walk when you have limited time. Came home and bought the items I wanted online, 20% cheaper in one instance (item found in Wrexham but wrong size) and with free delivery. Online is the future of necessary shopping, other than food (even so, I do some grocery shopping online). WCBC are obviously either unaware of this or deliberately trying to destroy what is left of the town's appeal for shoppers. On Saturday, I took a visiting relative shopping in Chester... lovely just to browse the mixture of small and large shops, and easy to get around along the rows. Maybe shopping centre designers should take a good look at the Chester Row's layout for inspiration? Nearly 1000 years of trade can't be wrong!
Thu Nov 27 09:31:04 2008
S in Wrexham
Well there was me thinking that the architect behind Eagles Meadow had carefully considered the character of the town, how the development should interact, how to tie in the various entrances to EM with the natural flow of pedestrians...then he decided that was too much like hard work and downloaded from Architects-R-Us a standard blueprint for a shopping precinct. Not convinced? Put Centros Miller Development into Google and see what you get - the exact same development to be hoisted onto Lancaster against huge opposition. Same Debenhams, same open circular area, same 'exciting' mix of residential and commercial, with parking. Same mish-mash of steel, brick, wood, stone, shiny white tiles (who thought they would look nice?). Oh, and the same bridge but no water feature (yet). Now we can all appreciate why the entrances to EM bear no resemblance to the roads and crossing points. But we are stuck with it so the Council had better pull its finger out and get the builders in to finish it properly and attract some interesting and DIFFERENT shops.
Wed Nov 26 10:15:29 2008
Lesley Ann Howard, Wrexham
I have a friend who decided to contact Ian Lucas MP to ask him what he feels WCBC should be doing to bring in more business to the old town. His response left a lot to be desired, basically he couldn't be bothered with the problem and feels that the ruin of Wrexham by the new EM Complex is acceptable, as is having more pubs move into the empty shops - a shame - he may want to rethink his response in the next 12 months as more and more shops in town close.
Wed Nov 26 10:13:06 2008
Andrea from Wrexham
The town needs other things as well as shops. Why can't someone take the initiative and open a comedy club or a cabaret club? With the interest now in Strictly Come Dancing, could we not have regular ballroom dances with live bands at the Memorial Hall? What about some of the existing larger pubs laying on live soul music or something? Would be nice to see a big venue like the Limelight in Crewe. Basically though, it's up to the people of Wrexham to prove that they can behave decently in public of an evening and not just go out to get legless.
Tue Nov 25 11:44:33 2008
Henry, Wrexham
Well be positive I am told about the EM Fiasco. I'm trying to think of somthing positive to say. On Sunday it was a swimming pool, there was more water on the floor tiles than in the boarded up water feature. It was really cold and very windy, not a pleasant shopping experience in 2008. The shops are limited if you don't want what everyone else is wanting, choice or difference it's not there. Same old shops, same old fashion, same old brands. Why come to Wrexham you can get it all and more in Chester, Shrewsbury Liverpool and Manchester. Sorry for sounding negative but it's a massive expense and a huge wasted opportunity. We could have done so much more with the space and the money. It looks like a nasty shoping centre that's had its day. It actually looks boarded up but that's the design. It looks like a relic from the 1970s. I'm sorry but it is awful. I will still continue to visit the other big towns and cities which I resent spending my time getting to and from and money outside the town I live in. We need new blood on the high street and in the council if they want to manage us "if" we get city status. Heaven help us then.
Tue Nov 25 11:18:23 2008
S. Wallace, Chester
I had cause to visit Wrexham today, and took a walk down the main high street - what a crying shame to see so many empty shops. What is to become of the town? Is it going to become a no-go area during the day, only being filled up by pubs and the binge drinkers at night? With so many negative comments about the new shopping centre, it is no wonder that revenue is up in Chester some 50% since the beginning of October. The small retailer and the large stores alike are suffering in Wrexham's high street and I was wondering what the Council and local MP / AM plan to do about it or are they happy to be able to walk no more than 2ft from door of pub to door of pub in Wrexham - because it looks as if that is all Wrexham now has to offer.
Tue Nov 25 11:11:55 2008
Andrea from Wrexham
Eagles Meadow was never an eyesore merely the old derelict Asda building. The car park was a much used facility of the town and a darn site cheaper than the new one. What I have noticed now however is the volume of traffic in the town. This will ease slightly after Christmas but planners have not made provision for the free flow of traffic. The biggest farce of all and the most dangerous is the circular flow of traffic from Regent Street, around by the old lager works and coming back onto Mold Road. An accident just waiting to happen. Can we get the Parish Church cleaned up and floodlit I wonder? It would look magnificent now. Oh and wouldn't it be nice if all the Christmas lights in the town actually worked for once and at the correct times too?
Mon Nov 24 10:27:23 2008
S from Wrexham
Wrexham town centre is unique. Unique in the fact that we have three town centres in one - and the Plas Coch Retail Park as well! Wrexham town centre is a mess. You have Island Green (aka 'Poundland'), the old town centre which is pub land with a few pastry and shoe shops thrown in for good measure, and Eagles Meadow. There are rumours that the old Marks & Spencer is to become a Brannigans night spot. How many licensed premises can they fit into the old town centre? Pubs are closing in the villages around Wrexham with people only visiting their local at the weekend because of the credit crunch. So, will Wrexham 'town centre' follow suit becoming a ghost town midweek and a rowdies' paradise at the weekend? You see the police chiefs of Wrexham complaining about drunken behaviour - but who grants the licences? The magistrates & the Police!
Mon Nov 24 10:03:31 2008
Aggie, Wrexham
Yes it is progress, but the question I am still waiting to be answered, and many on this site too, is what is going to be done to help fill the shops empty or soon to be empty in the high street? WCBC can not give me a definite answer, they skirt around the issue. I have asked again and again are they talking with businesses Wrexham does not have (numerous stores located in Chester, Liverpool etc) to try to bring them into the town centre, but I have failed to get an answer.
Mon Nov 24 09:59:27 2008
Terry, Wrexham
The regeneration of Eagles Meadow must be a good thing surely, come on Wrexham lighten up, we are in 2008 not the dark ages. Move on and forward and enjoy the new things that come your way.
Mon Nov 24 09:47:36 2008
Phil - Manchester
Eagles Meadow? - it's called progress! So, some shops move, but the development will offer more choice when it's all open! Even more choice if the exisiting Regent St/Hope St shops are re-let. Don't forget the example of Laura Ashley, who could have waited to locate into EM, but chose the old town centre. It's still possible to attract decent shops there. And BHS, T.J. Hughes and Woolworths are still there! I hardly think the developers would have invested so much money if (at the time) they thought it wouldn't make money out of Eagles Meadow. Of course, the financial position has shifted in the last six months, but did any of us see that coming? Without EM, that end of town would have remained an empty eyesore and a drain on WCBC resources. This way the council get revenue with very little capital investment of their own. So don't suggest it's going to be a millstone around the ratepayers of Wrexham. It's private money that has developed the site. On a larger scale, Liverpool has opened a bigger development and I don't read anyone on the BBC Merseside site complaining their shops have relocated, including George Henry Lee's (John Lewis) which closed a landmark store in the city centre. I do agree about the parking meters at EM - I think you need a degree in engineering to work them out! For what it's worth, Wrexham is now a better shopping centre than Altrincham or Stockport where I regularly shop. So, please, give it a go and enjoy the wider choice! Or cut your nose off to spite your face - go to Oswestry! Like I say, it's called progress!
Fri Nov 21 10:30:20 2008
Ben Hughes
I think people need to realise that Wrexham is a developing town and has good potential. The site has only been open a few weeks and people are already talking about everything failing. I now live in Manchester and no longer live in Wrexham but I do have family there so I visit occasionally and and what I've realised is that to succeed in the shopping market you need to give people variety. Manchester has the Trafford Centre, Arndale Centre, high streets, the Triangle, and the Print Works offering shopping to a large variety of people and to taste. It gives you choice and variety and makes it like shopping in a different town every time you go out, which makes it better, fun and less repetitive. For the first few months people will just shop at Eagles Meadow but when the hype had gone people will mix between that and the high street (we will always need the high street). This development will bring in more shoppers from other towns e.g. Oswestry, Ellesmere, Chester, Shrewsbury and therefore put more money into the town. This is the whole point of the development. For the person who complained about it being out doors what about Liverpool One? That's out doors and that gets more shoppers in a month than Chester would get in a year. My last point to make is that it's your new development and you should take pride in it, and treat it with respect. You should want it to do well and attract people. In return you will see the benefits with more shops and maybe in the future more developments. I think this is the start of something that could be big.
Fri Nov 21 10:22:46 2008
Gary
Wil, OK I see your point, but it just seems to me that a lot of people are nitpicking just for the sake of nitpicking, if EM had a roof they would complain about something else, such as the the slate being the wrong shade of grey or something daft. Also, EM has been in development well over 2 years, over 3 years since the designs were shown to the public, and to me at least it seemed clear that there was no roof on EM - yet now it has finally opened 3 years later, people are suddenly surprised and disappointed there's no roof? I agree with you that Chester has a significant advantage over Wrexham in terms of shopping, that could be because it is an established city (and even a 'real' city would you beleive), with shops that rival Liverpool and Manchester - I think it's obvious Wrexham cannot match Chester! I disagree with Oswestry being better in terms of shopping though - nice town, but to me there's not much there really, nothing there that would make me travel the extra distance. Yes it has some unique individual shops, but do any of them sell something specific that would make me want to travel the extra distance to buy? The answer for me at least is no. At the end of the day Wrexham does have its problems like any town, but I think a lot of these harsh critics need to put it into perspective, there are a lot of worse towns than Wrexham! I live in Wrexham but work in Crewe and Rhyl, and both those places, especially Rhyl, make me appreciate Wrexham. Rhyl is an excellent example of a town that hasn't embraced change, and as a result has been starved of any investment and is in a really bad way. People seem to look at Wrexham in the past (before Plas Coch, Island Green, EM etc) as an idealistic perfect market town, but I have lived in Wrexham all my life and as bad as people think Island Green is, or EM, in my opinion they are a lot better than what was there before them. To me, despite some problems, Wrexham now has a vibrancy about it, and to me feels like a town on the way up and progressing, which is something I haven't felt about Wrexham in the past. If people still think Wrexham is so awful, then the simple answer is to move to Oswestry or Chester if you are able to.
Fri Nov 21 09:58:20 2008
Aggie, Wrexham
Decided to phone WCBC and spoke to some underling of the town manager. There is apparently an action plan in place to bring in new business to the empty shops - given that Boots is moving to EM and they are shutting the pharmacy, I for one am bitterly disappointed. WCBC say that they do not own the now empty stores in the town, so therefore have no control over when, if at all, they will be filled. I was told that some of those businesses moving to EM are in talks with other businesses to take over the premises, however due to the Data Protection Act, they were not permitted to tell me who - is that because it is more pound shops or temp shops for Xmas? Oh and apparently, Clinton cards is only closing half its store - that will be charming to look at. Surely someone should now be approaching the numerous businesses that Wrexham does not have to see if they can be persuaded to move into the town centre. When I mentioned this to WCBC, I was told that that info was not available - looks like pie in the sky promises to me. I contacted the Wrexham Evening Leader to see if they were prepared to contact WCBC for a comment, but they seemed very reluctant to say anything negative about either the council or the shopping complex - freedom of the press? Not any more it seems.
Fri Nov 21 09:46:29 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
Poor Gary, deprivation, starvation, war, these are indeed more important than the roofless E/M, but they're not being ignored they are being discussed elsewhere. This site is about E/M and we are all, yes even you, Gary, entitled to an opinion and thank goodness for the right to express that opinion without fear or favour. That's what November 11th is about. I expressed an opinion of E/M here on November 4th and decided in favour of Oswestry, you should try it sometime then perhaps you'd understand why Chester (a real city) and Oswestry (still a market town) have the advantage over Wrexham shopping.
Thu Nov 20 08:19:21 2008
Aggie, Wrexham
Well after reading all of the comments (and there were many!) regarding the new shopping centre at the old Asda site, it seems that there are more against the development than for it, and during these difficult times, when more jobs losses are announced in Wrexham, it seems that the Council may have a white elephant on its hands. I for one feel it is more important now to get new businesses into the empty shops in the town centre, before shoppers decide to take their hard earned cash to Chester instead. Bring the shopping experience back to the old town. I for am writing to the Council to ask them what they intend to do about the empty shops in the old town. It will be interesting if they are bothered to reply - will let you know.
Wed Nov 19 08:33:12 2008
Gary
Bunch of sissies on this page, honestly. I mean the economy is in trouble, our troops are dying in some hell hole abroad, there's thousands dying all over the world of starvation/disease etc, and people on here are whingeing and crying because there is no roof on a shopping complex and they might get a bit damp or chilly! It's not exactly a difficult solution - wear a warm coat and use an umbrella if you hate getting wet! Also, another ridiculous thing is people saying it is too expensive?! It's no more expensive than most of the shops in the exisitng town centre! M&S is no more expensive- Pizza express/nan! dos etc is no more expensive than any other similar resteraunts, Mountain Warehouse is pretty cheap too. It's laughable that some people are moaning about it being too expensive, and the other half are moaning that 'when' all the shops miraculously go bust, all the pound shops will move in. Like someone else has already said, you will never please everyone, and no matter how the shopping centre was designed, you'd get people moaning, doom mongers saying that it has destroyed the town etc etc. Truth is, no matter what they built at Eagles Meadow, even another Island Green would be a damn site better than the eyesore hole in the ground that was there before, which used to be a magnet for boyracers and scumbags hanging around under the flyover.
Wed Nov 19 08:06:41 2008
Welshgirl, Wrexham
Ych...1st shopping complex in years not to consider a roof. 100 million? On what? Half of the shops we had anyway. Getting wet while you're shopping? Might as well stay in town centre where it's cheaper for 1. Bowling finally come to Wrexham. Yey, that's the only benefit. Parking terrible. Total waste of money considering we've got a housing and job crisis. Too many phone shops. Missed out attracting the Yale lot by not having McDonalds, Subway. No teenagers going to pay £10 for a pizza. Bank has some tasty clothes though. As I mentioned earlier, too expensive! We're paying for the roof that isn't there!
Tue Nov 18 10:48:49 2008
Steve T La from Wrexham
What a waste of money EM is and no roof. At least in Chester you can do all your shopping in the dry and warm. All it seems to have done is to create a hang out for kids.
Mon Nov 17 08:03:52 2008
Andrew, Manchester
I, as the person who left a previous message, do not live in Wrexham any more, but was born and raised in the town, only moving away last year due to lack of employment opportunities. I was back last weekend visiting family, and decided to go along to the old Asda car park to see what all the fuss was about. I agree with previous comments, the parking is a nightmare, and the pedestrian access a joke - not to say a health and safety nightmare. To be honest, I was not blown away by the new shopping centre, as far as I can see, unless you want M&S (older generation), Debenhams (old tat for a lot of cash) or the numerous fashion outlets that will be opening, or phone shops - there is little else - most of which you could get in the main town itself. What I, and my family would like to know, is what the council are doing to bring new business into the empty stores now too numerous in the town. I understand that Laura Ashley has opened up (not my thing) and a new George at Asda is opening on Island Green - that will be a crowd puller and hopefully they will stay and shop in the town - they certainly won't miss out if they give the new development a miss.
Fri Nov 14 08:17:29 2008
Tim from Chester
Call me cynical, but I think you'll find that the council were marketing their own land as a leisure use, sold it for a vastly inflated price by granting themelves a planning consent, and then sanctioned what is one of the most poorly designed schemes in the UK, whose only link to the bottom of the town is a bouncy bridge! So with units vacated by M&S, Topshop, Next, Monsoon, Boots... all they have achieved is a relocation of the existing traders. The local council should be hanging their heads in shame as they now have a dreadful new scheme and a deserted town centre.
Fri Nov 14 08:16:17 2008
Brendan Jones from London
Since I left North Wales in 2000, I hadn't visited Wrexham on a shopping trip ever since. I used to spend most of my teen years in Wrexham and so grew very fond of the place. I always thought the old car park and supermarket, where Eagle's Meadow now stands, was a bit of a blight on the landscape. So, on hearing about the new development, I took a special trip in to see what it had done to a town I was so fond of. If I'm honest, despite the criticism it's had from people here, it was a damn site better than the hole in the ground which used to be the supermarket car park. It's got a lot of potential and, provided they make the new car park a little more user-friendly and the current shops become more established, I think it will be a good thing. What I found pretty shocking though is that the only main pedestrian access from the town centre is across the narrow suspension bridge. I was there on a cold, wet November afternoon in mid-week, and it was like a busy day on the M25 trying to get across that bridge. Heaven help shoppers in Eagle's Meadow come Christmas time, as push chairs and bag-laden shoppers try to crush their way across the small bridge in either direction. The swaying and jolting of the bridge in the light breeze was also pretty scary, although it may provide an exciting attraction to Wrexham's night-life on very windy evenings. All in all, I'd be willing to give Eagle's Meadow a chance. It's only just opened and is bound to mature in time - easy for me to say I guess, given I don't live in Wrexham any longer.
Thu Nov 13 09:22:30 2008
Tamsy from Marford
I was in Wrexham yesterday and thought I would take a look at the new Eagles Meadow. What a mistake this turned out to be! Once I had figured out how to use the parking ticket machine, which is ridiculously unclear and far too complicated, I made my way to the shops. This was mistake number two! I didn't want a mobile phone and I wasn't hungry. So I did the only other thing possible and wandered round Debenhams/M&S. It just seems to be a whole lot of nothing! Expensive nothing! What was wrong with the town centre? There are enough vacant shops there to fit most of what is in EM. Cinema and bowling? Already have one of each in Wrexham thanx! I am sure all the low life in the area are loving the new places they can stand to intimidate people! Why no roof on it? Everyone I have spoken to about it so far have said that they would rather go to Chester where they can shop in the dry and warmth of a decent shopping centre! Why use so many different materials? One side is slate, another brick, then another is wood... the list goes on! I won't even start on the paving. The poor quality and workmanship of that speaks for itself. I, like most others, detest this monstrosity with a passion. It has spoiled the town we were born and grew in. Difficult to get to for the elderly. Made traffic even more of a nightmare. I could go on all day! I am just glad it was not paid for with taxpayers' money!
Wed Nov 12 08:59:34 2008
IM from Wrexham
Visited Eagle Meadow for the first time on Sunday, and was disappointed. I think the centre should have been named "Eagles Lake" as, due to the rain, the uneven paving and lack of drainage the majority of walking areas had very large puddles - and as for the leaking roof in the car park, it's not something you'd expect from a new multi million pound development that has only just opened! Also has anyone else noticed how the footbridge bounces and wobbles when you walk over it? (I thought this was Wrexham not the Millennium Bridge in London - aka the wobbly bridge.) Does having a wobbly bridge now constitute city status?! What was the rush to open the centre, it's not even half open in terms of retail units, parts of it look incomplete; the lifts weren't working (no good when you have a baby in a buggy). Surely the council would have been better to wait and open an all singing all dancing complex rather than the white elephant that it currently seems to be! Also watch out for the local kids that seem to think it a great idea to use the whole place as a play area! I think I'll continue to do my shopping in Chester, which is a shame as the development could have been so much better. It was the right idea - but badly implemented!
Tue Nov 11 13:37:49 2008
Nick
Went to the new Nando's on Eagles Meadow and got a free meal as they were training the staff. It was brilliant, food was great and staff were excellent. You have got to go...there's one in Ellesmere Port that I normally go to but now I have one on my door step. LOVE LOVE LOVE it!
Tue Nov 11 08:05:22 2008
Nic Jones, Wrexham
I visited EM on Saturday and was very disappointed with the street scene side of the development - too cheap looking and the whole entrance/approach from Yorke Street is a shambles. When will the building work be finished? Oops, it already is! It certainly doesn't say "main entrance to a flagship development" - more like back alley to a pub beer garden. The footbridge and footpath are both too narrow - they should have been more impressive - something like a Victorian seaside pier (in width) rather than something that looks like a cycle track over a motorway. The public areas within the development are not much better - they need a focal point - how about a bandstand or work of art? And where are the bench seats? Even the finishes to the hard paving look cheap and unfinished. Was it just me, or was anybody else thinking that this would be a totally indoors experience? Or doesn't it rain on the planet the designers and council live on? Why do people go to Chester - to shop out of the rain! I welcome some of the development, especially the bowling alley / leisure / restaurant elements which have been long needed for Wrexham's young people, but the developers and their Council client have missed a major opportunity to do something to sell Wrexham as a quality shopping venue. Instead we've been landed with a version that looks that it's been done on the cheap. Same old council, same old result - good idea, but poorly executed.
Mon Nov 10 14:26:38 2008
Ita, Wrexham
I think EM is a lot of fuss about very little. Debenhams is the only good thing about it. Even M&S didn't make the most of a great opportunity. Alyhough the Food Hall is good I will still have to go for to Chester for clothes and homeware, or perhaps change my allegiance to Debenhams!
Mon Nov 10 14:16:40 2008
Andrew, Wrexham
I visited EM for first time yesterday. The architecture is bland but the scale is quite impressive. The way the church is framed as you walk away from M&S shows imagination. A little concerned that security were quick to apprehend a postman riding his bike safely but turned a cheek at the youngsters dropping litter from outside the bowling to the level below. I haven't seen the development at night but hope general lighting is sufficient. If not there are areas I would not want to walk late at night. Hope they also consider the mess below the suspension bridge. The choice of units is dull. I love shopping but EM is very one dimensional - too many fashion stores. The rest of the town will suffer unless council has a plan. Wrexham has its retail in abundance. What the town needs now is a cultural Renaissance and I don't mean more seedy bars!
Mon Nov 10 08:55:07 2008
Henry, Wrexham
What a total waste of time money and resources. All that has happened is that shops have moved from one place to another at a massive cost to traders and taxpayers. Someone has dangled a carrot or two. Could have been a lot better. I fear it has split the town and the new names are not that impressive. They are not really offering anything different to what we already had. It has put Wrexham on the map but it isn't going to sustain it because there is nothing else to go with it. It won't bring in trade from Chester or Shrewsbury because unlike Chester and Shrewsbury we have very few boutique type shops because W.C.B.C. do not encourage small traders. They only want big names and charity shops. A shame, a missed opportunity.
Mon Nov 10 08:41:28 2008
Gaz, Wrexham
Some people are talking about the old town centre with rose-tinted glasses on! I mean talk of 'boycotting' the new centre etc, etc. You'd think the old town centre was full of small, independent shops unique to Wrexham, who are now going to go bust! In reality, the old own centre will be just fine, 95% of the shops there are big national companies, and there are more than enough big-name shops (HMV, Game, BHS, Mcdonalds, JJb, Woolworths to name just a few) that EM won't make any difference in the long run. People are talking as if all these national companies are going to go bust or leave because of EM! It's an extension of the town centre, not a re-location. Any small independent businesses, well if they were already doing well then I don't see how EM will have a negative effect on them, if they're good shops people will still go there. Also, people who are 'underwhelmed' by the centre, that is just ridiculous, I mean what did you expect other than shops/bowling/restaurants exactly? Did you expect it to have a circus or something? Same goes to people complaining about a lack of a roof, if there was a roof they would complain about it being under a roof!
Mon Nov 10 08:28:57 2008
Gareth, Minera
How narrow minded some people are. Eagles Meadow is a great shopping centre and while, yes, the town centre will look somewhat bare for a while there will inevitably be other new retailers moving in. It has certainly put Wrexham up there where it belongs as the primary shopping centre for north east Wales. Congratulations to Wrexham council and the developers for this brave move.
Fri Nov 7 09:37:47 2008
Luke from Wrexham
Wow. I'm suprised at the amount of negative comments on Eagles Meadow. I attended the opening day myself and whilst the shopping development was not as big as I had imagined, I was still pretty impressed with it, with its impressive architecture, design and water feature. It has now brought many shops closer together, which I feel is a bit more convenient, combining Wrexham's high street shops with a range of new stores. I am a local student attending Yale College and have already made a few trips there myself. I noticed quite a few security guards patrolling the area, so there seems little danger of 'yobbish' behaviour. There is also a variety of places to eat there. I know the Odeon cinema will be moving there next Easter which I am looking forward to. I went to the new ten pin bowling and was engrossed in the arcade there. However whilst I visited in the week, I noticed security guards were stationed right outside the ten pin bowling so as to be on hand to discover any youths not attending school to be at Eagles Meadow. Altogether though, I found Eagles Meadow to be a fantastic development and am looking forward to seeing the new stores opening there such as Topman and Burtons. The only thing I am concerned about is how empty Wrexham town will look when most of the shops move to Eagles Meadow.
Wed Nov 5 08:44:11 2008
Seren, Coedpoeth
I have just read the articles on the Evening Leader website telling of 40,000+ visitors to the new EM site and that shops in the old town have been benefiting from the first weekend of trading. My son works in the town centre, and I have to tell you that the turnover of the store he works in is down on this time last year. Maybe the credit crunch has something to do with that, but this new complex is certainly not helping. Comments venting lack of support on the Evening Leader site have been posted as unsuitable. It just goes to show that if you disagree with the EM development then you are not allowed to say so for the public record - well I hope my comment here is posted. I feel that the new development will kill off those stores left in the old town, and it is no use crying over spilt milk when the big names like Debenhams and M&S close their doors at EM - given their profit warnings this is looking more and more likely.
Wed Nov 5 08:42:33 2008
Charlie Hughes from Wrexham
I don't get this. We've got nearly exactly the same shops as in Wrexham town centre. Why not bring some more variety to the place?
Wed Nov 5 08:34:44 2008
Wil, Wrexham
Well Mrs Williams from Chirk, you will soon have more options again in the town centre. Do you like pound shops, charity shops and fly-by-nights from Merseyside and Manchester? Then again, we may also get a few "Banksies" on the fronts of the boarded-up shops. Talking of M&S needing more space, (ref. Leader, WCBC), why didn't they consider the vacant former Littlewood's shop? Mrs Williams, if I lived in Chirk I'd use the, yes smaller, but much more individual and friendly family shops in Oswestry plus the very nice M&S food store there. You've given me food for thought now, my geriatric bus pass will get me there as quickly as it will to E.M. Happy shopping!
Tue Nov 4 08:18:34 2008
Sue, Wrexham
It seems we have been here before - wasn't the development with BHS and TJ Hughes meant to turn Wrexham into a wonderful shopping place 10 years ago? Then it was Island Green, now Eagles Meadow. But the developers & the council think that all we want to do is SHOP.
Tue Nov 4 08:04:57 2008
S from Wrexham
My parents (aged 68) went Sunday. Like myself they found Debenhams and Marks & Spencer very good but were disappointed with the other shops that were actually open. My mum's description of Eagles Meadow was "bleak" and "cold". They had a couple of other criticisms as well. Namely being the car park. Firstly, what a complicated car park ticket machine? I agree. You have to punch in your car registration number, punch in this, punch in that... Too complicated! Secondly, the car park is as big as a football pitch and you have to walk a great distance for the lift. My mum said she will definitely not be bothering to drive to Eagles Meadow because of the complicated car park ticket machine. Did anyone else find the ticket machine difficult?
Tue Nov 4 08:02:44 2008
Andrea from Wrexham
Well, I went along on grand opening morning and was pleasantly surprised at the development as a whole. Everywhere was too crowded for my liking so I left actual shopping until Saturday. I agree with the German architect that there is a wonderful view of the Parish Church albeit over the rear view of the Private Shop and its accompanying lounge. It was disappointing that many of the stores weren't open and it begs the question "Why didn't they leave it until later?" There would have been a much greater impact if ALL the stores had been open together. I see that some slight progress has been made by today on the Spanish Steps so they must be doing a little on that area every day. What really did surprise me though was the comparatively small size of Debenhams and M & S. Not many of the possible concessions seem to have been taken up in Debenhams and the ones that are there are not brimming with choice. "Marks" I feel would have been better staying put in Hope Street and they should have taken out an option on what is now BHS a few years ago and maybe had "that" as its Men's Department. The Food Hall in the new store IS fabulous but now none of us can just pop into Marks like we used to for our lovely food. I did suggest to them in writing that they might keep the Hope Street store as a Food and Gift Hall but it was not an option. All in all Debenhams and Marks are nowhere near "the huge stores" we were led to believe they would be but they do raise the standards slightly in our town's array of retail outlets.
Mon Nov 3 08:33:48 2008
Mark Riley, Wrexham
I was stopped from taking some evening pictures at the development. A polite security guard stated that photography on the Plaza was prohibited, and that I needed permission from Management to do so! Threat of terrorism you understand. He admitted I didn't look like a terrorist though - which was nice! Eagles Meadow can't make up their own rules on this - it's a public place, (or so I thought!) and though I appreciate the need for tight security, this is going too far. Photography in a public place is NOT illegal, regardless of this. Earlier today hundreds of people were taking photos! There is nothing of a "sensitive" nature to photograph! If I had been arrested then there would have been no law to prosecute me under! I hope they are as vigilant with real troublemakers and hooligans, as they are with innocent people pursuing a creative hobby. I will remember not to carry a DSLR and tripod around in future!
Mon Nov 3 08:30:23 2008
Mrs M Williams, Chirk, Wrexham
As a pensioner, and being unable to drive, I decided long ago that I would not be able to get to the new shopping centre, as the walk would have been too much for me. However, my daughter insisted that she take me in her car yesterday, and I have to say that I was very disappointed. Whilst both the M&S store and Debenhams are very nice, they are outside of the price range of most of the population of Wrexham and the surrounding areas. Already there are a lot of teenagers hanging around, and that does not make me feel very safe, even given the security guards. I can honestly say that I will be shopping in the town centre as I have always done, and I feel certain that once the rose tinted specs have come off, then many will follow suit.
Mon Nov 3 08:28:39 2008
Peter in Wrexham area
Andy - I felt sure there had been a 2 hour limit for some years. It might not have been strictly enforced then. As for judging the place a white elephant, I'd suggest giving it a year or two. This is a hard time financially for any shops, and just as the BBC has been criticised about spreading doom (or panic, in respect of Northern Rock), talking of it as a white elephant isn't exactly fair - you really should give it a chance to find its feet, I think.
Mon Nov 3 08:27:49 2008
S from Wrexham
Apart from Debenham's and an improved Marks and Spencer, I found it very disappointing. Three quarters of the retail units are either un-occupied or not ready yet! Is there a need for four mobile phone shops? Does anyone know for sure what other big companies have committed themselves to Eagle Meadow? It begs the question what will the future hold for the rest of the town centre? I find it strange that Eagles Meadow includes a bowling alley. The norm being that they are situated out of town because of the youths which they attract hanging around outside late at night.
Mon Nov 3 08:27:13 2008
Sue, Rhostyllen
I am against Eagles Meadow, it is a eyesore - taken the heart out of Wrexham shopping Centre. Wrexham Council have done this to our town. What happens to our 'centre' now? Will older/disabled people make the long walk off the bus - No. I went to town Saturday, and 4 BIG chain stores have now moved - The road connection to the new Eagles Meadow are shocking, it should never have been built on the edge of town. Who in their right mind agreed to this? The council!
Mon Nov 3 08:26:38 2008
Toby Wrexham
As usual the shops in Wrexham centre will all up and move to the new Eagles Meadow complex leaving a town full of empty shops that will be let on short 4 weeks leases to sell tinsel for xmas. Wrexham had character with its markets and quirky streets and shops. Now we have "anytown" it looks like a town you visit with chain stores from one end to the other. Yes, the development brings some jobs to town to service the shops but what of the shops in the centre and the people that work there when these shops lose trade?
Mon Nov 3 08:25:32 2008
SP, Wrexham
Underwhelming. If this is the flagship development that will launch the economic renaissance of Wrexham then someone should have told the paving contractor that they needed to do a first class job. They have not - uneven, gaps, poor cutting. It's awful. The firm who did this must have laughed all the way to the bank and whoever approved it for the developers needs an eye test.
Fri Oct 31 15:28:46 2008
Chris from Wrexham
It looks nice and it's good that the shops close at 8, but why have they moved most shops from the town centre to Eagles Meadow? It's a bit pointless. Also why open the complex if it's half done? Even the ATM didn't have money in it! But does anyone know when the Starbucks opens? They said it will open when the complex opens, but I didn't see it open.
Fri Oct 31 14:42:12 2008
AD, Wrexham
Pleasantly surprised at the quality of the construction, at least from a distance driving past. The slate walls are a nice local touch. However, the fact that they were able to attract such a large crowd in the middle of the (supposedly) working week exposes the real issues facing Wrexham.
Fri Oct 31 10:29:08 2008
Rishi, Wrexham
The new development seems fantastic. More economic activity... More jobs... more prosperity to all.
Fri Oct 31 10:00:31 2008
Andy, Wrexham
To S - well of course you are all for the new EM - you have just got a job there, but for how long? With Debenhams profits falling fast, how long before they up and close and once the flagship is gone, how long before more and more shops at the complex follow suit? It will be no good longing for those stores lost from Regent St and Hope St because the town will be dead and buried by then. I say - stay well away - with the cost of parking your car sky high, now even Tesco have put a 2hr limit on parking - the genuine shoppers are being victimised because shoppers from EM will be parking at Tesco because they can't afford EM's prices. The whole complex is just a white elephant - the leader of WCBC knows it, but is too afraid of losing face to admit it.
Thu Oct 30 15:57:42 2008
Anna from Manchester
The bridge looks amazing from the picture!
Thu Oct 30 15:55:39 2008
Peter, living in Wrexham
Mixed bag of comments here, for and anti. I can understand qualms about how things will change in Hope St/Regent St. However, it will depend on landlords as much as the council attracting new businesses to fill any empty shops. Some time ago I saw that the old Burger King site on Queen Street was available with an annual rental of £98,000. In the current financial crisis, I suspect they will have to cut that to a much lower level before any business will move in. Down by the Central Station, there is parking and easy access to the shops, including the Eagles Meadow stores if one wants to buy some specific product. It will take plenty of time to fill EM so there's time for the economy and Queen Street etc to also fill up.
Thu Oct 30 15:44:33 2008
S from Wrexham
Really excited about the new development - got a job in one of the shops and it looked amazing when I went in there last week. I don't think it will impact too badly on Hope Street and Regent Street - the walkway/bridge leads straight onto High Street. I'll definitely still be trotting off to the likes of Primark. I think that it will be good for Wrexham's economy in that people will come from far and wide to shop in EM and the rest of the town; Wrexham will become the major shopping destination of North Wales. I think it's a bit upsetting that some are being negative about the development, and I agree that it's difficult to move away from Wrexham's "small-town" image. Traffic in the town centre will be a pain. However it has been said that Wales in particular will not feel the burn of the current economic situation as much as the rest of Britain. Hopefully business will be good in EM. It may well help Wrexham on its way to city status.
Thu Oct 30 08:17:14 2008
DWJ
Perhaps they will turn Hope Street & Regent street into a car park. Well, there won't be any shoppers there because there will be no shops! I fear the People's Market will suffer too.
Wed Oct 29 08:18:51 2008
Jess from Acton
The old car park, where this super complex has been built, was a trap for boy racers and was an eyesore. The developers have utilised the space to the best they could considering it is a built up area. It is a wonderful way to breathe new life and jobs into the area. If there is no room for trees - so what, I'm sure they can plant some more elsewhere. Well done Wrexham.
Mon Oct 27 09:02:55 2008
Alan, Wrexham
So, Eagles Meadow is to open with full marching band (Evening Leader 21 Oct) setting off from Queens Square. Why not march down Regent St and Hope St to rub it in the noses of those stores WCBC are condeming to closure? Given the current economic climate, the last thing Wrexham can support is a new shopping centre. Let's be fair, Wrexham is struggling to support the shops in the town now. WCBC should have secured support for the shops already in the old town, and not the new complex. I am afraid that Eagles Meadow will be the final nail in the coffin for Wrexham and not the saviour the leader of the council seems to think it will be. I say - boycott the new shopping centre - support the shops in the old town centre - the markets, those stores such as Woolworths, Waterstones, Brantano, Maplins, Argos etc who have chosen to stay in the town and not relocate. With the credit crunch, how many of us can afford to shop at Debenhams? How long before there are 'To Let' signs on the stores in Eagles Meadow once used by these 'wonderful new stores'?
Wed Oct 22 08:31:53 2008
Cliff from Wrexham
Great new shopping centre. I'm worried at what may become of the old town centre, ie Hope Street & Regent street. The council have put a lot into this new development. We also have many new flats & houses in Wrexham. Trouble is we don't have enough new jobs to fill either. Those jobs we do have tend to be minimum wage with little prospects for job advancement. The council should have firstly encouraged new employers to the area, then done this development. Wrexham has many qualified & keen employees but with little opportunities. I can't help feel they have "put the cart before the horse" & it is the rate payers of Wrexham who will have to pay to keep the big names in Eagles Meadow.
Wed Oct 22 08:30:11 2008
Shauna Roberts from Wrexham
I think Eagles Meadow will be good, it's a good place to shop and makes a big change from just going round town, and it will be good that you don't have to travel all the way up to Sainsburys for the cinema, it will be right in town. And also we will have Jane Norman which sells nice clothes but I do not like the wood panels on Debenhams. They look cheap and tacky. They are horrible.
Wed Oct 22 08:28:55 2008
Ian
Another mess by Wrexham council.
Tue Oct 21 10:02:23 2008
Andrew from Wrexham
I am looking forward to Eagles Meadow opening and will visit it soon after it opens to have a nose about. Whether I visit it more than occasionally depends on two things - they are the ease with which I can get to it (road network round the town) and the cost of parking. Our dear council does not score well in either of these two areas. There are other valid concerns too about the current financial state and what the move of stores out of the centre will do to the rest of our town. Interesting times ahead.
Mon Oct 20 08:43:43 2008
Ally, Wrexham
I saw on BBC Wales news last night the leader of WCBC proudly showing off the new Eagles Meadow complex and saying what a saviour it will be to Wrexham. He stated that many of the stores that currently occupy space in Hope St and Regent St have taken up larger floor space in the new complex, and he felt that they would have possibly moved out of the town if this shopping centre had not been built - rubbish! It is the incentives that are being thrown at companies to move that now leaves the main town empty. Emergency meetings are being called with those stores left in the next few weeks to try to put fears at bay. WCBC has a duty to those stores to make sure that new blood is brought it - reduce the rates and rental on those stores that will be empty to encourage companies to move into Hope St and Regent St and ensure that the town survives. It is clear from comments on this site that other centres built have caused the death of the towns. Let us all write to our MP and AMs to ensure that they are aware of the plight of the old town.
Fri Oct 17 12:29:03 2008
Andrea from Wrexham
People seem to think that the whole of the new shopping complex will open magically on the 30th October. This is simply not the case - Debenhams and Marks yes but most of the others will not open until at least January.
Fri Oct 17 09:05:13 2008
Liz Parkhurst from Barnsley
If the new development does for Wrexham what 'Meadow Hell' has done for Sheffield & Barnsley - then Heaven help it!I loved Wrexham when I used to stay near there as a kid. Sure it was noisy, crowded and a bit battered round the edges, but it was so full of life, especially the old Monday market. Malls are HORRIBLE!
Fri Oct 17 08:57:44 2008
Sue, Wrexham
I can't wait for the Christmas season with all the "new" stores open at Eagles Meadow - with the large shops in the rest of town lying empty and left abandoned, and the new 1000 space car park turning over four or five thousand extra vehicles through Wrexham every day. NOT.
Wed Oct 15 09:41:31 2008
Andrea from Wrexham
I have compiled a list of all the High Street names of shops. There are literally dozens and dozens that we still do NOT have in our town centre. Why isn't the Town Manager or some other team from the Council approaching these companies to try to get them to come into the town? Why oh why couldn't Marks & Spencer remain in Hope Street but just as a Food Hall and gift shop? And yes, once the big names move out of Hope Street and Regent Street into the new development, Lord help the rest of the old town centre.
Tue Oct 14 10:28:37 2008
Steve R, Wrexham
It looks good. Just hope the rest of the town does not suffer.
Mon Oct 13 08:56:48 2008
Ally, Wrexham
I have just been on the Eagles Meadow webpage to have a look at the big names now taking up units in the complex. I see the likes of Wallis, Topshop, Topman, Dorothy Perkins and Burtons are the latest to sign up, along with Boots. Does that mean that the stores currently occupied in the town centre will become empty, or are we to have two of each in the town? I for one doubt that. With all the big names moving out, the main town centre will die. It is all well and good for the big wigs at WCBC saying that the development will beat the credit crunch (Evening Leader), but what of the jobs of those who are employed in the stores that will be left in the ghost town Wrexham itself will become on the main street? People are not going to bother to come into the town centre to shop if they can just park up at Eagles Meadow and shop. WCBC should have concentrated on building up the stores in the town centre and left this grim reaper well alone
Mon Oct 13 08:55:08 2008
Matt, Southsea, Wrexham
I do have to admit that it looks brilliant from what it used to be, it's going to be a lot better than "PARC LLANDUDNO". My dad worked on the new one in Llandudno and Eagles Meadow. I'm hoping to get a job there.
Wed Oct 1 14:56:44 2008
Andrew, Wrexham
When I first saw the plans for Eagles Meadow, I was extremely pleased for Wrexham as the development looked excellent on designs. However, over the last 18 months or so, I began to share many other people's concerns in that the development did look a bit ugly, a bit like a prison. However, over the last few weeks I must admit I think that it is starting to come together now and looks a lot better than it did. People mention that no greenery is present, and I hope there is greenery around the site, but I think these will be put in place a week or so before it opens. I think when it's completely finished it will look great.
Sat Sep 27 09:53:30 2008
AP, Wrexham
Yes, the locals have had to put up with the inconvenience of this development for at least a couple of years. Little communication and certainly no apologies from the council when they have decided roads should be open in different directions from month to month. I couldn't guess how many miles I've added to my car due to the diversions, and how close I am to needing a new clutch from all the stop-start driving just to get home. But, the road system will be restored and run smoothly from the end of October. I suspect not - for us locals the traffic hell will continue, due to the council's poor predictions about the traffic levels. A late rush to put in new traffic lights at Salop Road will not solve this! It would have been nice to have some sort of recognition from the council/developers when the scheme opens - maybe an exclusive preview for the locals who have put up with the noise and traffic. They must consider that we will be within walking distance of Starbucks as compensation enough!
Sat Sep 27 09:40:15 2008
Andy, Wrexham
It's funny that WCBC can remove the one way system around the site in time for the opening at the end of October (Pigs may fly), but the locals have had to endure the problems with traffic for months upon months with no concern about the impact on their lives from the Council, but to aid the shoppers, well, now that is different. I hope that the site is a success, but I have my doubts. Wrexham cannot support the shops it has now, let alone the likes of Debenhams which, lets be fair, the average man on the dole will never be able to afford. The council would have been better to look at the empty lots in the town and bring companies into those, not encourage them to move out into the new complex. Wrexham town will be a ghost town, with all shopping done by those with cars as, lets be fair, the site is not for those poor souls who either cannot afford a car, or cannot drive.
Wed Sep 24 08:10:24 2008
Tony, Wrexham
In 1961 I went to Eagles Meadow with my grandfather to buy a horse. The sale was actually down in the meadow not where the Mecca Bingo is now. There was a monthly horse sale. The cattle sale was on the site of the bingo and the general market on St George's Crescent, now a council car park. As far as I am aware Eagles Meadow is publically owned land, as was St George's Crescent and I wonder how the new development has come about without consideration of this fact. The council have also infringed upon St George's with the ridiculous one way road system.
Mon Sep 22 08:23:16 2008
Jones from Acton
Wrexham has the worse unemployment rate in Wales - I think this new development will help some unemployed people to go back to work, instead of claiming benefits. The benefits office will have a field day, sending people back to work! This new development will boost the local economy and provide better shopping experience for everyone. Just in time for Christmas.
Fri Sep 19 15:35:29 2008
Nick
Yes Matt, Nandos is going in there as my mate is one of the managers. It will be the best place to eat in Wrexham by a long shot. Might see you in there if you are a peri peri addict like me. Can't wait for it to open!
Mon Sep 15 08:46:08 2008
Alison Hopwood, Wrexham
Nandos - bliss, heaven, fantastic. I suggest everyone should experience it before they die!
Mon Sep 15 08:13:11 2008
Kev, Wrexham
Look, the fact is Wrexham has always been an eyesore. I've lived all my life in and around it. As my mam says 'you can't polish a turd'. The shopping centre will probably mean that a lot of bigger shops will move from the high street and surrrounding streets. But hey, don't worry I'm sure there will be plenty more pound shops to spring up. After all, isn't that what Wrexham needs - MORE POUND SHOPS?
Fri Sep 12 15:25:48 2008
Grand Master, Wrexham
I for one think it is going to be a lovely shopping centre. But I agree with whoever said the bowling alley is going to be a place for all the 'deadheads' to gather. I won't be going there, it's just going to be another place for all the yobs to hang around and cause trouble. People may believe that building these things are going to get kids off the streets and stop anti social behaviour, but I think it enhances it. What a stupid idea to put a bowling alley there, the one in Chester is fine, as it's nowhere near the town centre and you never get little troublemakers in there! If I had kids I would not be taking them there. I am so angry.
Thu Sep 11 09:12:24 2008
Mel
Are there any jobs going?
Mon Sep 8 09:40:02 2008
Nick, Web Team
Hi, just checking you're aware the architect behind the development is giving a talk, Thursday 18th September, 7.30pm at AVOW, Wrexham.
Tue Aug 26 10:25:18 2008
Matt, Wrexham
Are Nando's really going in? I hope so as there is just nowhere to eat here at the moment, and Nando's is my absolute favourite place. I'll keep my fingers crossed.
Mon Aug 25 19:52:42 2008
Pete, Wrexham
So the grand opening for eyesore city is planned for October 30th. Yeah right, more chance of flying to the sun in a wax rocket from what I can see. Unless of course they mean 2009.
Mon Aug 25 19:38:07 2008
Nick, Webteam
Just to let you know a talk about the development is being given by the architect in September. Find out more...
Fri Aug 22 08:19:06 2008
Nick
I hear Nando's are going in here which will be great for Wrexham as my nearest one is in Ellesmere Port. I love their spicy chicken and can't wait to go to what will be my local Nandos for my fix of piri piri
Fri Aug 22 08:02:33 2008
S in Wrexham
As the scaffolding comes down, you're right, it is a prison! Someone tell Ian Lucas MP that he is too late and the proposed new prison site has been decided and already constructed! Still no trees or landscaping in evidence yet...
Wed Aug 20 15:36:14 2008
Ally, Wrexham
I have no objection to anything that will improve our choice of stores, as let's be fair, Wrexham falls far behind the likes of Chester and Liverpool, and if it is to gain city status, which is what the WCBC is after, then a lot has to be done to improve the town as a whole. My main concern about the development is the effect it will have on the main high street in the town. You read in the Leader the names of the stores already taking up space in the Eagles Meadow site, ie M & S, Next, Clinton Cards - all who have stores in town already, but then you read about the likes of Boots, Wallis, Burtons, Dorothy Perkins, HMV, JJB, All Sports - if they all take up space, then the main high street will be dead. It is all well and good for the council to say that new shops are opening up in the town - what - Laura Ashley? One store to replace 10 or more. The last thing we need is more pubs and clubs taking up empty shopping space in the high street - the council needs to start to look after the shoppers in town who can't afford a car to get to Eagles Meadow. They need to act now, or the town will die.
Wed Aug 20 07:51:33 2008
Wrexham
It looks like Alcatraz!
Tue Aug 12 08:37:54 2008
Andrea from Wrexham
Ok, Ok, I've read all the comments and as usual opinions fall into two camps, those for and those against. Let us now deal in facts. The shopping centre is supposed to be opening in just over 2 months' time. Several major retailers already IN the town are relocating which will leave empty stores in the town centre. Try and suggest which national retailers would want to come and fill THOSE empty stores? Wrexham is not an historical town and neither is it a particularly beautiful town. Our two major landmarks are St Giles' Church and Erddig Hall. Now the Parish Church is, in my opinion, beautiful inside and out but could we not do with having it sandblasted and floodlit? Erddig Hall is a major tourist attraction but I doubt very much if anyone who goes there would spend several days in the town to explore our other beautiful tourist attractions because they are minimal. We have no beautiful architecture whether Tudor, Georgian or Victorian. We do not have the pulling power of a river flowing through the town or the fact that we are a seaside resort. All we have is retail outlets. I am glad that at least a bowling alley is coming to the town for what we are so desperately lacking in is night time entertainment. We have been known for far too long as a "boozer" town where people just get drunk and disorderly of an evening and spend the night throwing up all over the pavements. What we need are cabaret clubs, comedy clubs, country music and jazz clubs. Could the new owner of Wrexham FC not be tempted to attract big name bands to give arena type concerts? Let's have more sporting facilities for youngsters to take up boxing, snooker, table tennis etc. Can we not have regular ballroom dances again at the Memorial Hall? Ask yourself which new retailers are coming to the area. What about all the others? Why DON'T they want to come here? A town isn't just about going to work and shopping. We need further stimulation in our lives.
Mon Aug 11 14:34:54 2008
VW, London
I think this is great news. I left Wrexham eight years ago and every time I visited I'd find more retail parks going up. Their developers would promise exciting new shops and job opportunities for residents, but the parks always seemed to fill up with pound shops and other discount retailers - hardly a sign of a town on the up. Stores like Debenhams and H&M should be welcomed after John Lewis decided against setting up on the site. Facilities like a bowling alley and cinema are desperately needed in a town with little in the way of entertainment. The carpark and flyover were eyesores anyway, hopefully this development will make better use of the land.
Fri Aug 8 10:16:17 2008
Wil, Wrexham
For Tom Jones Wrexham. SNAP! See my entries on this site June 5th & 9th. It's the same planning team that created a mile and a half long shopping area, Sainsbury's to Matalan, only separated, even now, by boarded-up shop fronts and including the traffic debacle called Plas Coch!
Fri Aug 8 10:15:37 2008
Tom Jones, Wrexham
I dread to think what Wrexham town centre will become as the large shops locate to Eagles Meadow, unfortunately our council are not noted for their forward thinking and it will grieve me if I have to write in the future I TOLD YOU SO.
Wed Aug 6 10:34:23 2008
Andrea from Wrexham
I do hope that St Giles Church will have its stonework cleaned up and more floodlights added as it would look amazing from the new shopping centre.
Mon Aug 4 10:45:39 2008
Betty Boop, Wrexham
Can someone tell me how I can find out what jobs are available at the Eagles Meadow centre?
Mon Aug 4 09:51:22 2008
Jayne Streatfield, New Zealand
As a Wrexham girl now living in New Zealand I can't wait to visit the new development when we come over in December. I just hope it has everything I need!
Mon Aug 4 09:18:00 2008
Wrexham
Of course it looks bad now, it isn't finished!
Thu Jul 31 09:24:33 2008
Josephine Bloggs from Wrexham
Have you ever attempted driving in/around Wrexham? The volume of traffic is usually pretty chaotic to say the least. I can only foresee increased chaos with the opening of the new extremely ugly complex at Eagles Meadow. Are the developers/council catering for the elderly/infirm who may have to walk from King Street bus station?
Fri Jul 25 08:06:50 2008
KV
I think Eagles Meadow was a good idea but it doesn't fit in with the current town centre surroundings. It looks like a hotel from the '70s. It should have been designed something like the Trafford Centre etc not a great big lump of concrete! It will also draw shops out of the town centre to the shopping centre & we will see lots of empty shop windows. A lot of the shops are just moving not a great deal of them seem to be new shops. I'm quite pleased to see though that we are getting new shops in the town centre such as Laura Ashley & George from Asda which will help keep shoppers in town as well as Eagles Meadow. I also think that they need to do something about the roads in town, the single lane carriageways need changing into dual link roads because the town will eventually burst!
Tue Jul 22 08:27:52 2008
Sharon, Wrecsam
Yes, I think it looks like a prison - a real eyesore. Ugly looking...
Wed Jul 2 08:46:00 2008
Gaz, Wrexham
Pete, people with snobbish attitudes are every bit as bad as these 'deadheads' you talk about (assuming that by deadheads you mean youths getting drunk/swearing etc), if not worse.
Tue Jul 1 08:14:19 2008
Andrew Whitchurch
"Pete, Wrexham. I see there is to be a 10 pin bowling alley on Eagles Meadow. Well, I can't wait to see some of the deadheads that will frequent there. I for one won't be taking my children there.Tue Jun 24 09:09:50 2008"
Nice attitude.
Mon Jun 30 08:25:27 2008
TP, Wrexham
Although it looks like a quality development, there seems to be too many blank walls facing the roads. The new link road doesn't look very inviting for pedestrians at night time, and there needs to be more greenery added - there doesn't appear to be much 'meadow' going on. Time will tell whether Wrexham Council take 'pride in the streets' and make sure there's no build up of the takeaway boxes, beer cans and vomit that infest the town centre.
Fri Jun 27 07:47:12 2008
Pete, Wrexham
I see there is to be a 10 pin bowling alley on Eagles Meadow. Well, I can't wait to see some of the deadheads that will frequent there. I for one won't be taking my children there.
Tue Jun 24 09:09:50 2008
GARRY from Wrexham
I used to work for Asda on the Eagles Meadow site and still have pics of the old Asda. What a place it was to work for. It was great but you have to move with the times and I think it will be a great opportunity for the people of Wrexham to have a great shopping centre and will generate a few hundred jobs for the people of the town. I met my wife at the old Asda store so if it was not for Asda I would not have the life I do today. Good luck to everyone at the new Eagles Meadow.
Mon Jun 23 09:20:22 2008
Gareth, Wrexham
I respect everyone's opinions. From the very outset I've been a supporter of this development. In my opinion, although there may be some initial problems (empty premises in old town centre etc), in the long run I feel it is excellent for Wrexham and its future growth. However, as I have driven past over the last year, I have been concerned that, like someone else has mentioned, the actual development looked to be nothing like the design sketches. Indeed, it was starting to look somewhat like a prison, a blot on the landscape. However, over the last week or so, I feel it is now starting to take shape nicely, and is looking a lot better, and I feel after a further 4 months' development, it will really look the part. I just think people need to wait until it is complete before making a final judgement - I can't think of many construction sites that look attractive after all. In terms of empty premises in the town centre, this is definitely a worry, but in my opinion these shops will slowly start to fill back up again once the new development has opened.
Mon Jun 16 08:42:12 2008
SD, Wrexham
Yes, it would be great if we had a bus service and proper Park & Ride but we do not. EM has been built for drivers, it needs lots of cars to fill its parking slots and serve the cinema and bowling alley. Those who choose the bus/train, or have no other alternative, face a long walk to get to EM - even then its pedestrian access is not linked into the flow of people moving around Wrexham centre. Of course the development needs trees, if only to soften the impact of those high blank walls that surround it. That strip of wide dull tarmac between the bingo club and the inconvenient entrance would make the experience a lot more pleasant (and absorb run-off as well as carbon monoxide). If this place is to work it has to be attractive to visit - look at Cheshire Oaks to see how much emphasis has gone on landscaping and upkeep. WMBC have a duty under their own published policy to incorporate trees into any new development but they appear to have quietly ignored their own directive. Turning Wrexham 'Green' would do much to help EM establish itself as a pleasant place to visit. However many of us can already see the fast food packaging blowing through a shuttered shopping mall down to Spanish Steps that only go to a cheap tarmac roundabout and Halfords car park. Attractive prospect!
Mon Jun 16 08:31:40 2008
KH, Tyne and Wear
Okay... as a native of Wrexham, I have been finding all of these comments very interesting. I moved from Wrexham about 18 months ago and have been interested about the developments of the town and have done a little research while I have been visiting my friends and family. The first point I will make is that there seems to be a lot of comments about how there will be an increase in traffic... come on now guys, with fuel costings rising (and we all know they will rise again soon) would it not be more economical, cheaper and environmentally friendly to take the bus? If you don't particularly like buses and would much prefer to go by car then why not do what the Americans do and set up 'car pools'? These are the obvious solutions to the initial problem of traffic. If one person drives to work and picks another 4 up on the way then that is a maximum of 4 less cars on the road than there could be! And as for all of the talk about lack of trees, grass, plants etc... may I remind you that St Giles Church contains one of the Seven Wonders of Wales and will be a striking but beautiful contrast to the modern style of the new mall. However, this could have been done purposefully in order to show how much architectural design has changes over the centuries and to show that Wrexham is still going strong and moving on through it.
Fri Jun 13 09:02:59 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
For Henry, Rhyl. If you are envious of Eagles Meadow development then, believe me, you can have it. It will create an area of our town similar to the desolate west end of Rhyl on a slightly more compact scale. Some of us can visualise this and hope that it can be avoided by expressing our genuinely held views in a democratic manner as is our right.
Mon Jun 9 07:42:22 2008
Jo, Wrexham
The artist impressions of the Eagles Meadow site looks nothing like the actual building itself which is an absolute shame because the artist impressions looked impressive. I find Liverpool one to be more exciting and its design has captured the heart of Liverpool. If only we had the team that made Liverpool one so special working on Eagles Meadow.
Liverpool £1bn development
Mon Jun 9 07:40:09 2008
Henry, Rhyl
If people hate living in Wrexham so much because of all the 'dreadful' change and investment, I think they'd probably be better off re-locating somewhere else. Ideally somewhere that never sees any investment, never changes. Try my home town of Rhyl for example. A lovely place.Seriously though, I think some people need to give this place a chance when it opens first, stop moaning about Wrexham becoming a 'dead' town, and wait and see. If you want an excellent example of what a town becomes when it is starved of investment and development, then look at Rhyl now, run-down, in desperate need of some sort of investment.
Fri Jun 6 07:46:59 2008
Joe, Wrexham
Finally someone with some sense....
Thu Jun 5 08:12:49 2008
Wil, Wrexham.
For Jean, Wrexham. Yes, Eagles Meadow will be and do all the things you say, just one question. What happens to the additional vacant buildings in Regent Street and the rest of the town centre when all the big hitters move down to Eagles Meadow?
Thu Jun 5 08:02:04 2008
Jean, Wrexham
Reading all these negative comments about this fantastic development is making me scream. Eagles Meadow is going to be a breath of fresh air for our town. Retail & leisure is just what we need. We have some fantastic shops moving, cafes & restaurants. Why are you all complaining, when you haven't even experienced it yet? And if you all think it's going to be a waste in Wrexham then shame on you for wanting to live in a never changing place. Wrexham is a town going places - city status even, & if people don't like the fact it's moving forward like other towns then sorry but maybe you should relocate somewhere. I myself am proud walking round the town centre and can't wait till it opens. I work in the town centre and people from places such as Bangor, Liverpool, Barmouth & Manchester etc come to shop here and more will follow once it opens. Whatever you may think about it, it's going to change Wrexham for the better and continue to make it the best shopping experience in north Wales!
Wed Jun 4 09:08:45 2008
Lisa, Buckley
This complex doesn't fit in at all, it looks awful... like someone said it has a claustrophobic feel around it. Trying to fit too much into a small space. More and more people are shopping online now anyway, so I feel it's a massive waste of someone's time, money and a shame to blot Wrexham. I love shopping in Wrexham by the way, prefer it to Chester, much more compact and cheaper parking. Love the Island Green and also Home Bargains!
Mon Jun 2 09:24:44 2008
James, Garden Village
Took a walk past the place today. Can see why your visitor thought it was a prison, Sue.
Mon Jun 2 09:22:53 2008
Sue
Driving towards Tesco with a visitor to the area last week, they asked me if Eagles Meadow was a new prison being built. Says it all.
Tue May 27 09:21:14 2008
Roz, Wrexham
To Dave - do you work for WCBC, reading the comments you have left on the site you are very keen on the EM development. I work for WCBC so obviously Roz is not my real name - I can assure you that the Council has invested a considerable sum of money in EM, so they may not be paying for the whole thing, but the taxpayers (including you) are paying for it. I agree with everyone on the site who is against the development - it is a blot on the landscape, and the shops in the town centre will be the ones who pay the price, when they close and the employees lose their jobs.
Thu May 15 09:18:34 2008
Eddy, Wrexham
Max, I cannot see what Eagles Meadow has got to do with Wrexham losing it's 'uniqueness'. Before the development at EM started, there was only an eyesore of a carpark there anyway, it's not as if the council has demolished an ancient unique building (unless you consider the old ASDA as such a building). I agree with many people on here that some recent developments in Wrexham are awful (Island Green), but I have lived in Wrexham all my life and I feel some people are looking through rose-tinted glasses at Wrexham in the past. Also, as poor as Island Green, and to a lesser extent Border and Central retail parks are, these places have been built up on land which was previosly waste land, again there were no historic ancient buildings demolished (except maybe the brewery arguably, but at the end of the day it was just a big, empty factory).
Wed May 14 08:54:19 2008
James, Garden Village
Dave, Wrexham. Yes, we are aware that it is the private sector responsible for the financing and construction of this development. The 'whingers' are concerned about the impact it is going to have on the existing town centre. Many of the new tenants at Eagles Meadow are moving from existing town centre sites leaving more empty shop units to add to those already lying unused. Some of those have been empty for some time with little indication of new take ups. When I go into Wrexham, I see a dying town. I had a walk around on Bank Holiday Monday afternoon - it was completely deserted. Whilst Wrexham has never been a hive of shopping activity on bank holidays as many have tended to close, I can always remember seeing people ambling about the town centre calling for a drink or two in the pubs but it was like walking around a ghost town.
Wed May 14 08:36:28 2008
Dave, Wrexham
WCBC has not paid any money for this development! It's a private investment, over £100m of private money. Therefore, you will be pleased to know the progress of the town is not being paid for by you.
Tue May 13 09:02:42 2008
James, Garden Village
Angie, I couldn't agree with you more. I only returned to Wrexham 18 months ago after working away for 2 years and I couldn't help but notice the number of empty shops in the existing town centre. Many of them closed whilst I was away and I haven't seen any new occupiers take up these units in the time I have been back. To give some examples, the former MVC store in Henblas Square (a shopping development built less than 10 years ago I might add) is still standing empty. The MVC chain went bust in 2005! Home Bargains and Burger King on Queen Street have been shut since they relocated to by Tescos and that must be at least 2 years ago. All you see in town these days is ''To let'' boards - the sign companies must be raking it in! How will we get someone to occupy the current M & S, River Island and Next stores when they vacate? I was talking to a retired council official recently. He was involved in trying to get regeneration schemes going in the early 90s and told me that when they would try to get retailers in many would scoff as they did not consider it viable to have a presence in the town. I think that attitude still exists. I agree about Debenhams and wonder how long before a letting agent's board is nailed to its front.
Tue May 13 08:53:36 2008
Eddy, Wrexham
Agreed, people will always whine...justified if the development turns out to be a failure, but making judgements now, 5 months before it actually opens, is laughable. Truth is that no matter how good the development is, people will always moan, it is impossible to please everybody.
Mon May 12 08:47:07 2008
Angie, Wrexham
Does anyone else feel that the new development on Eagles Meadow to be a waste of time and money? Wrexham cannot support the shops in the town centre now. Not everyone has a car, so how do the older generation get to the new complex, walk? Did WCBC think any further than the possibility of getting city status, and at what cost to the tax paying public? How many of Wrexham people on low incomes can afford to shop at the likes of Debenhams or are the council just catering to those how are on high incomes that live in Wrexham but work outside the town? WCBC would have done a better job if they had invested the money in the shops and markets we have now. Improve the roads and parking in Wrexham and we would have been OK. How many shops in the town centre will still be there 6 months after this blot on the landscape opens?
Mon May 12 08:30:37 2008
Max, Wrexham
It's true, Wrexham has lost its uniqueness as a market town. When I was growing up, not too many years ago, the place had a sense of community which has albeit disappeared. Wrexham is becoming/has become a clone of all the other towns up and down the country - no character, no individuality - and we all know it's about big business and money! Have to take exception to your comments about the people in Wrexham though Andrea - the young people of the town especially. I don't disagree with your observations of shouting and swearing in the street, but afraid they're not unique to the town but of the whole U.K. in general - the swearing aspect especially. Though, saying this as a mature student, the youngsters at the uni I go to are, in general, all a credit to their generation.
Mon May 12 07:55:45 2008
Dave, Wrexham
Wow! How depressive and miserable can people be?! I'd suggest everyone wait and see what the final product is like and then make judgements. I certianly don't think the site will be an eyesore. The quality of the build is far superior to other developments in the town (Island Green Noted!), and actually includes sympathetic materials such as slate and wood. I personally think it will improve the town immensley, the only worry is how the rest of the town centre will cope. And can people please stop stating the old Eagles Meadow wasn't an eyesore! A massive piece of open tarmac! And it was never the 'Animal Market' or the Beast Market, as this is where St. Georges Cresent is now.
Fri May 9 10:04:52 2008
Andrea from Wrexham
Big mistake - big BIG mistake! Eagles Meadow is, like others have said on here - an eyesore! How clautrophobic the poor people on Caia Road must feel!
Which bright spark on the Council way back when actually came up with the idea I wonder! Which individual actually managed to convince others that we should move the centuries old "town centre" to a former animal market?
Like a lady lower down has said, shopping trends are changing. More and more people are buying online. There is less need now for retail outlets not MORE.
I echo too that person's comments about the shoppers in th! e exiting town.It is the only place I know where people shout across the street and swear openly and walk five abreast. The young mums all appear to be paid up members of the Sausage Roll Brigade. Will the steps at the new development be able to sustain the joint weight of these children weaned on saturated fats and puff pastry?
No wonder that no classy names are signing up then to become tenants of this prestigious development!
Fri May 9 08:28:35 2008
