Opened by the Mayor of Wrexham, Councillor Beryl Blackmore today (Wednesday 16 October), the lifesaving charity recently became the official owner of its shop, after completing the purchase of the property on Henblas Street.
Wales Air Ambulance has been trading in the outlet since 2011, having previously rented the unit. The purchase has been made possible thanks to a £250,000 grant from the Transforming Towns Placemaking Grant. It is funded by the Welsh Government and administered by Wrexham Council.
The building, situated in a conservation area of the city, is the first retail site to be bought outright by the all-Wales charity.
The investment forms part of the charity’s new retail blueprint, which aims to strike a balance between generating income for its lifesaving service while enhancing the charity’s community presence across the country.
The blueprint was influenced by feedback from employees, supporters and volunteers during a strategic review in 2021.
Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Housing and Local Government, Jayne Bryant, said: “It’s wonderful to see how our Placemaking Grant has supported improvements works and the reopening of this popular retail space in Wrexham city centre.
“Our Transforming Towns Programme is providing invaluable support to town and city centres across Wales, creating a sense of vibrancy as well as boosting footfall and employment opportunities for local people.”
Cllr Nigel Williams, Lead Member for Economy and Regeneration, said: “I’m really pleased that Wales Air Ambulance were able to acquire, fit out, make accessibility improvements and now open this property using the Transforming Towns Placemaking Grant.
“Their permanent home based in the city centre forms part of a growing number of organisations who have shown confidence in the resurgence in trade at the heart of Wrexham.
“We as a council are investing millions in city centre projects, and we anticipate that this will have a knock on positive impact on trade.”
Wales Air Ambulance is consultant-led, taking hospital-standard treatments to the patient and, if required, transferring them directly to the most appropriate hospital for their illness or injury.
The charity needs to raise £11.2 million every year to keep its helicopters in the air and its rapid response vehicles on the road.
MOST READ
Rob Coles, Wales Air Ambulance’s Head of Retail, said: “We are breaking new ground as a charity with the purchase of our very first retail property.
“Our shop in Wrexham is hugely popular and supported by the local community. It plays a key role in raising much-needed funds to maintain our lifesaving service throughout Wales. We feel very much part of the community and we hope this shows our commitment to the area and the preservation of its heritage.”
The shop also provides local volunteering opportunities and employment.
Rob added: “The refurbishment of our shop is going to make a huge difference to our volunteers, staff and shoppers too.
“The original shop didn’t have disabled access toilets or facilities for the volunteers or for the shop staff. The changing room also didn’t have disabled access. So, the work we undertook means our facilities are accessible to all.”
The shop will be open Monday to Saturday from 9.30am to 4.30pm selling a variety of pre-loved items including furniture and clothing.
