Wrexham: Rising Star of North Wales

The city of Wrexham in northeast Wales is experiencing a wave of renewed energy, ambition, and visibility. Once a historic market town and industrial hub, it was officially granted city status on 1 September 2022, becoming Wales’ seventh city in recognition of its growing importance and distinct character.

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Here’s a look at how Wrexham is evolving — from its economy and attractions to its transport connections, university life, and more.

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From Town to City – A Milestone Moment

Gaining city status is more than a ceremonial change. For Wrexham, it reflects decades of development, strong civic identity, and the ambition to grow further.

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Locally, the honour has been embraced by community leaders, educators, businesses, and residents alike.

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The status offers a boost in perception — helping to attract investment, raise profile in tourism, and strengthen Wrexham’s case in regional and national planning.

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Economy & Investment: On the Up

Wrexham’s economy has always been rooted in industry, manufacturing, and trade. In the 18th and 19th centuries, it was a centre for coal, iron, lead, leather, brewing and more.

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In recent years, the city has leveraged new opportunities in creative sectors, tourism, services, and regeneration.

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A striking example is the “Hollywood effect” surrounding Wrexham AFC. Since the club’s takeover by Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, global interest has surged, bringing media coverage, visitor numbers, and local business uplift.

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Local accommodation providers report very high occupancy levels, and tourism is rising alongside this wave of curiosity and fandom.

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Wrexham also actively competes in cultural and funding bids — for instance, it narrowly missed being the UK City of Culture 2025, which has helped galvanise civic energy and ambition.

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Public and private investment is visible in regeneration projects: refurbishing historic markets, enhancing cultural and transport infrastructure, redeveloping key gateway sites, and planning improvements around the city centre.

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Tourism & Things to Do

For visitors and locals alike, Wrexham offers a compelling mix of heritage, culture, nature, and lively community spaces.

• St Giles’ Church: This magnificent medieval church dominates the skyline in the heart of the city. It holds the tomb of Elihu Yale, a benefactor to Yale University, and is rich in architectural detail and history.

• Xplore! Science Discovery Centre: Located in the city centre on Henblas Street, this hands-on, family-friendly science centre (previously Techniquest Glyndŵr) encourages STEAM learning through interactive exhibits.

• Wrexham Museum & upcoming Football Museum of Wales: The local museum traces industrial heritage and community stories; plans are underway to integrate a national football museum, celebrating Welsh football through the lens of Wrexham’s legacy.

• The Racecourse Ground: Home to Wrexham AFC and an iconic landmark in its own right (and the oldest international football stadium still in use). Attending a match or just touring the stadium is a must for fans and curious travellers.

• Markets, galleries, local food & shopping: Wrexham’s city centre bustle includes historic and indoor markets, independent shops, cafés, art galleries, and cultural venues.

• Green spaces & nature: Wrexham has many parks, such as Bellevue Park, Acton Park, and the grounds of the National Trust’s Erddig house (just outside) offering picturesque walks, gardens, and heritage ambience.

• Region & scenic surroundings: The city is close to the Dee Valley, borderlands scenery, and areas of outstanding natural beauty, making it a gateway to exploring the Welsh countryside.

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As tourism continues to grow, Wrexham is aiming to position itself not just as a stopover but a destination in its own right.

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University & Education: Wrexham University

Wrexham University (formerly Wrexham Glyndŵr University) is a central pillar of the city’s educational and research ecosystem.

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• It has roots going back to a school of science and art established in 1887, evolving through the North East Wales Institute into full university status in 2008.

• The university operates several campuses: Plas Coch (main site), Regent Street (art & design), and satellite sites at Northop and St Asaph.

• It offers over 150 programmes across disciplines including engineering, sciences, arts, business, computing, health, and creative industries.

• The institution emphasises graduate employability, strong links with industry, and real-world learning.

• In recent rankings, Wrexham University ranks highly for student satisfaction and teaching quality in Wales.

• The university also supports community engagement and hosts the Public Transport Summit (2025) to advance regional infrastructure dialogue.

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In addition, Coleg Cambria (through its Yale College heritage) provides further education and higher-level vocational courses, with campuses in and around the city centre.

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City Centre & Urban Life

Wrexham’s city centre balances historic character with modern vibrancy. The layout is walkable, with a mix of Georgian, Tudor, Victorian, and contemporary architecture. Markets, shopping streets, cafés, galleries, and civic buildings intermingle.​

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The “Wrexham Gateway” and other development schemes are shaping the approach to transport, entrances, public spaces, and connectivity.

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Cultural spaces such as galleries, performance venues, street events, and local festivals (including those tied to Welsh language and arts) lend the centre a lively, inclusive atmosphere.

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There is also a strong sense of local identity, civic pride, and community involvement, which helps make Wrexham feel more than just a commuter centre or industrial town — but a place people want to live, work, and explore.

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Transport & Connectivity

One of Wrexham’s great strengths is its accessibility. Here’s a breakdown:

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Rail & Train Station

• Wrexham General is the main railway station. It offers step-free access, toilets, waiting rooms, shops, and good station facilities.

• It connects to key routes toward Chester, Shrewsbury, and beyond.

• There is also Wrexham Central and local stations such as Ruabon and Chirk, helping to link neighbouring towns.

• Looking ahead, proposals exist for a direct Wrexham–London service via open-access operators, potentially taking about three hours to Euston.

• Wrexham is part of the broader North Wales public transport network, with rail and bus services connecting to regional attractions, towns, and cities.

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Road & Motorways

While Wrexham is not directly on a major motorway, it is well served by nearby trunk roads and motorways:

• The A483 and A55 provide essential north-south and east-west corridors linking Wrexham to Chester, North Wales, and the North West of England.

• The M54 / M6 motorway corridors are accessible via connecting roads, enabling journeys toward Birmingham, Manchester, and the Midlands.

• Local and regional roads help connect Wrexham with surrounding towns such as Ruabon, Chirk, Llangollen, and along the Cheshire border.

• Its position near the England–Wales border gives it strategic advantage for cross-border trade and commuting.

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Proximity to Other Cities & Towns

Wrexham lies approximately:

• ~13 miles (≈21 km) south of Chester

• ~30 miles to Shrewsbury

• ~43 miles to Manchester

• ~108 miles to Cardiff

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This location allows relatively convenient access to both Welsh and English urban centres, making Wrexham a compelling hub for people wanting the balance of regional connection with a strong local base.​

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Outlook & Potential

Wrexham is at an inflection point. The combination of new city status, cultural momentum, improved connectivity, and community ambition suggests a bright trajectory ahead. Some key potentials include:

• Boosted tourism growth: As visibility rises and cultural assets expand (e.g. a national football museum), Wrexham can attract more visitors for longer stays.

• Regeneration & urban renewal: Redeveloping markets, gateway areas, public realm upgrades, and infrastructure investment will continue to reshape the city’s heart.

• Stronger transport links: Proposed direct rail services to London, enhancement of regional bus/rail integration, and investment in sustainable transport will further tie Wrexham to national networks.

• Cultural & creative growth: With visible success stories (e.g. in football, film/TV exposure, arts), Wrexham is increasingly seen as a creative hub in Wales and the UK.

• Talent retention & educational excellence: The university’s emphasis on employability, local collaboration with industry, and high student satisfaction rates help anchor graduates in the region.

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In summary, Wrexham is more than just Wales’ newest city — it’s a city with ambition, character, and momentum. Its favourable location, transport connectivity, vibrant city centre, expanding educational ecosystem, and growing reputation make it a compelling place to visit, invest in, and call home.​