'Fabulous' community hub in ex-police station wins planning approval

A community hub built in a repurposed police station and heralded as a 'fabulous' facility has been granted approval in Gresford.

- By ALEC DOYLE Local Democracy Reporter

The Homestead is a community hub created by Rachel Lloyd and Kim Jones. After they took over the vacant Gresford police station last year they secured approval to open a children’s nursery on the site.

But the facility (pictured inset) quickly evolved into a community hub, offering education courses, a cafe, space for hire, play space for children and somewhere for people to gather.

Changing the use required a new planning approval from Wrexham Council however and on Monday night councillors on the planning committee ruled in favour.

There was some opposition to the plan. Resident Huw Ogwen Griffiths spoke out on behalf of the residents of neighbouring Annefield Park.

"The opening times of the hub are stated as 8am to 8pm Monday to Friday and 8am-2pm Saturday," he said.

"Yet there have been events on a Saturday afternoon and Sunday.

"Could an embargo or ban be placed on Saturday and Sunday opening to give at least two days of peace?