Case Study
Wrexham Markets
Location:
Wrexham
Project type:
Heritage Restoration
Project value:
£2.5 million
Client:
Wrexham BC Council
Completion:
2025
Project overview
JPS provided full structural and civil engineering design services for the restoration and regeneration of the historic Grade II listed General and Butcher’s Markets in Wrexham town centre.
Working closely with Lawray Architects, the conservation architect, and the contractor, the project focused on sensitively restoring the existing structures and preserving the historic building fabric while delivering the alterations required to support the markets’ modernisation.
The scheme forms part of Wrexham’s Townscape Heritage Scheme vision, creating an improved and more accessible destination that attracts a broader range of traders, enhances visitor experience, and secures the long-term future of these important heritage assets.
The engineering challenge
The scheme presented several challenges, including:
- Restoring and adapting Grade II listed market buildings while preserving their historic character and heritage significance.
- Assessing the condition of the existing structures and identifying appropriate repair and strengthening requirements.
- Delivering structural alterations to accommodate changes in use and loading without compromising the historic fabric.
- Coordinating engineering solutions within a highly sensitive conservation environment alongside multiple project stakeholders.
- Balancing modern accessibility, service improvements, and commercial requirements with heritage conservation objectives.
The engineering solution
JPS was responsible for:
- Providing full structural and civil engineering design services throughout the project.
- Working collaboratively with the lead architect, conservation architect, and contractor to develop sensitive and practical engineering solutions.
- Assessing existing structural elements and historical building fabric to determine repair requirements.
- Designing structural repair and strengthening works to support the refurbishment and adaptation of the markets.
- Developing engineering solutions to accommodate alterations and revised loading conditions within the existing buildings.
- Supporting the wider regeneration vision by enabling the modernisation of the facilities while protecting their heritage value.
The outcome
The historic General and Butcher’s Markets were successfully restored and revitalised for continued long-term use.
- Important heritage features and historical building fabric were preserved and enhanced through sensitive engineering interventions.
- The upgraded markets provide improved accessibility, facilities, and services for traders and visitors.
- The regeneration supports a more vibrant and diverse marketplace, helping attract a wider range of businesses and customers.
- The project contributes to the ongoing regeneration of Wrexham town centre and supports the town’s vision for an attractive, distinctive, and accessible destination.
