New hospitality venue launched in former library building as civic leaders and business figures celebrate latest regeneration milestone
A MAJOR new hospitality venue has officially opened in the heart of Wrexham, marking another significant step in the city’s continuing regeneration and growing visitor economy.
Queen’s Square Social welcomed invited guests, business leaders and civic representatives for its official launch on Thursday evening (May 21), celebrating the transformation of one of the city centre’s most recognisable historic buildings.
Among those attending the opening event was the Mayor of Wrexham, Jeremy Kent, who joined guests for the official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Situated within the redeveloped former library building in Queen’s Square, the venue has been designed as a contemporary social destination combining food, drink, entertainment and community events within a landmark city-centre setting.
Guests at the launch were given an exclusive first look inside the transformed building following months of redevelopment work and planning.
The opening represents a significant investment into Wrexham’s hospitality and leisure sector at a time when the city continues to attract increased national attention, inward investment and rising visitor numbers.
Queen’s Square Social has been launched by hospitality entrepreneur Steven Hesketh as part of the continued expansion of Savvy Collective, one of the region’s fastest-growing independent hospitality businesses.
Mr Hesketh said: “We’re absolutely delighted to finally open Queen’s Square Social and welcome people through the doors.
“The response on opening night was incredible and it was fantastic to see so many familiar faces, local businesses and supporters joining us to celebrate.
“We’ve worked incredibly hard to create something that feels exciting, welcoming and different for Wrexham while also respecting the history of the building itself.
“We genuinely believe this venue can become a real social hub for the city and we’re very excited about the future.”
General manager Li Armistead, who spearheaded the venue launch, described the opening night as “a very special moment”.
She said: “Seeing the venue full of people enjoying the atmosphere was exactly what we hoped for and we’re incredibly grateful for the support we’ve already received.
“We’re looking forward to building something long-term here and becoming part of Wrexham’s growing hospitality community.”
The launch comes during a period of significant growth for Wrexham’s tourism and leisure economy, with ongoing regeneration and investment helping reshape the city centre into an increasingly vibrant destination.
For Mr Hesketh, the opening also marks the latest chapter in the growth of Savvy Collective, the hospitality business he founded following more than 30 years in the sector.
The company now operates across hotels, restaurants, bars, tourism projects and hospitality consultancy, while also supporting independent operators and tourism initiatives across North Wales and the North West.
Earlier this year, Savvy Collective received the Leisure and Tourism Award at the North West Family Business Awards in recognition of its contribution to hospitality, innovation and regional tourism development.
Queen’s Square Social is expected to play a key role in Wrexham city centre’s evolving hospitality scene, with plans for regular entertainment, social events and community gatherings throughout the year.
Thursday’s launch offered an early indication of demand for new social spaces in the city, with guests filling the venue throughout the evening and praising both the transformation of the building and the atmosphere created by the team.
With the doors now officially open, attention now turns to establishing Queen’s Square Social as a long-term fixture within Wrexham’s social and cultural landscape.
