Wrexham: How Hippodrome once looked as Rob plans upgrade

This week, ROB MCELHENNEY shared his plans for the unused Hippodrome cinema site in Wrexham. These plans could transform the area into something exciting.

Rob and Ryan Reynolds, who are both chairmen of Wrexham AFC, have been playfully teasing each other about their birthdays. However, their banter seems to have brought about a solution to a persistent issue in the city centre of Wrexham.

The duo is famous for organizing intricate practical jokes to celebrate one another's birthdays.

Wrexham has a history of carrying out quirky pranks, ranging from blimps to memorial urinals. However, their newest prank might be the solution to an unresolved issue in the center of the city.

On Monday, October 23, Ryan will turn 47 years old, and Rob has come up with an idea to give him a special gift. Rob proposed the creation of a new public park in the heart of Wrexham City Centre, which he plans to name “The Ryan Rodney Reynolds Memorial Park.”

According to him, the website will be established at the previous location of the Hippodrome on Henblas Street, which was shut down for several years.

In the Wrexham area, everyone knows the location being considered as the former Hippodrome cinema, a place that was greatly cherished until its destruction back in 1998.

Nevertheless, the location remained empty for several years until the Wrexham Council acquired it in the latter part of 2021. Their plan is to use it as a centerpiece to encourage people to stay longer in the area and to jumpstart the revitalization of this part of the city.

The introduction of the Placemaking strategy in 2023 has given rise to the Market quarter's plan and it is in line with Rob McElhenney's vision for the area.

After Rob made his announcement, the Leader decided to delve into our archives and reminisce about the past times at the Hippodrome.

Take a peek at some historic photos of the location by clicking the gallery above!