A new chapter is set to begin for one of Wrexham’s most recognisable buildings, as the keys to the ground floor of The Old Library have been handed to a new occupier who will shape its next phase.
The building will soon be home to a new business called Queen’s Square Social, a vibrant food, social and creative space on the ground floor that will bring fresh activity into the city centre.
The project is led by entrepreneur Steven Hesketh, founder of The SAVVY Collective, who aims to create an everyday “third space” for Wrexham. The venue is designed to sit between home and work, offering a flexible and informal place to use throughout the day.
Queen’s Square Social will have a café and deli while offering more than a traditional food-led experience, with space for lunch, informal meetings, content creation and social visits. With capacity for up to 250 people, it will also host classes, meetings and private events. Plans are also in place for the venue to host larger events including family celebrations, conferences and keynote speaker events.
The team expects to open later this Spring and will announce further details about its full service offering and events calendar in the coming weeks.
Steven Hesketh said: “The Old Library is a building people know and care about, so to now have the keys and be moving in is a significant moment for us.
“We are still finalising the full offer, but the intention is to create something that works for the square and for the city, and that people can use easily as part of their day-to-day lives.
“The aim is to contribute positively to the city centre, support job creation and make good use of an important building. We can’t wait to get going.”
Councillor Nigel Williams, Lead Member for Economy, Business and Tourism said “The Old Library is a much-loved building in Wrexham, and it’s great to see it being brought back into active use.”
“Queen’s Square Social will add something fresh to the city centre, helping to increase footfall, support local jobs and create a welcoming space for residents, visitors and businesses.”
“This is exactly the kind of investment and creativity we want to see as Wrexham continues to grow.”
Day-to-day operations will be led by general manager Li Armitstead.
She said: “What excites me about this project is the opportunity to establish the right culture from the outset. Spaces like this rely on consistency, high standards and a welcoming environment. Our aim is to make this feel like a third space for people visiting us. Somewhere that sits between work and home and where they can enjoy spending time.
“We want this to feel like a natural place for people to spend time, whether briefly or for longer, while also recognising the importance of the building’s history within Wrexham.”
The venue will include a deli and café, a large seating area, a podcast studio and a meeting room, bringing together food, work and social activity. The project is expected to create six initial jobs, with potential for further roles as it develops.
Queen’s Square Social will also connect with existing activity in the city. Residents of The Old Registry, which Mr Hesketh also operates, will have access to amenities within the venue, helping to link the two projects and increase footfall in the area.
It forms part of a wider portfolio led by Mr Hesketh across the region, including Hotel Wrexham, The Savvy Fox and the Cheshire and North Wales Food and Drink Festival.
Originally opened in 1907 as a Carnegie library, The Old Library was funded by Andrew Carnegie and has long held a prominent place in Wrexham. For many years, it served as a public library and a centre for learning and community activity.
Following a £4 million refurbishment by Wrexham Council, the building is already home to Ty’r Ddraig TV company and has been repositioned as a hub for the Creative Industries in Wrexham including a new Creative Hub Coworking space upstairs to be opened in May.
The Mayor of Wrexham recently reopened the building following its refurbishment, describing it as “a reminder of our past whilst also serving our future ambitions.” The reopening marked an important step in preserving the building’s heritage while enabling new uses that support the city centre.
As the building enters this next phase, it will continue to develop as a creative hub. serve as a place where people can meet, work and spend time together in the heart of Wrexham.
Mr Hesketh added: “We want this to be a space that people genuinely feel part of, somewhere that reflects the energy of the city, supports its growth and becomes a place people return to again and again.”
