AMBITIOUS plans have been unveiled to breathe new life into a former Wrexham factory site.
Two hundred workers lost their jobs when the giant Air Products factory closed just before Christmas, 2009.
Plans have now been submitted which could see a multi-million redevelopment of the site in Acrefair, including up to 200 homes, commercial and leisure facilities.
The blueprint for a mixed use development has been welcomed by a local councillor as a step towards preserving the life of the village, which is still reeling from the loss of two major employers within just a few years.
The plan, submitted by Manchester-based agents on behalf of owners Air Products, aims to redevelop a major part of the massive eight-hectare site which lies south of the main A539 Llangollen Road and extends towards Cefn Mawr.
It has been empty for more than a year since being cleared of industrial buildings following the closure of Air Products.
Two hundred workers lost their jobs when the company moved manufacturing to other sites in the group and since then there has been concern about its future use.
The application, which is due to be considered by the planning committee in late spring, includes provision for 180-200 residential properties, with about a quarter being affordable homes.
These would be built towards the rear of the site, and at the front, closer to Llangollen Road, commercial, leisure and retail buildings would be built.
David Williams, the council’s planning control manager said: “We have been having discussions with the applicant’s agent for some time and have worked with them in bringing the site forward for development.
“The commercial element of the plan would be something like small offices and workshops with parking.
“No details have been given of the leisure element but the retail part of the development would be small-scale shops which would meet the requirements of the Local Development Plan.”
He added: “At its meeting on February 6 the planning committee will consider a planning brief which sets out the future framework for any development in this area.
“Any future decisions will have to be made in accordance with this brief.
“This outline application has now been validated and will go out to consultation in the next couple of weeks.
“It is likely to go before the committee in late spring.”
Cllr Warren Coleman, who represents the area, said: “Subject to planning permission, I welcome any sort of development that helps conserve the future use of the village.
“This is a prime site on a main road and I am sure a good use can be found for it.
“In this area, which has also seen the loss of the Flexsys chemical plant, we need all the homes, shops and jobs we can get.”