The Hippodrome is well known throughout the town

Councillors agreed with their planning officers that Cadw, the agency which helps protect historic Wales, should not be asked to list the town's Hippodrome.

HMG, which is based in Altrincham, Cheshire, has bought the building for retail space.

However, campaigners want to save the 1909 building from redevelopment and hoped councillors would support them.

Chief planning officer Lawrence Isted told members of the Executive Board on Tuesday that he does not think asking Cadw to list the former cinema would prove fruitful.

I'm disappointed because I felt the report was rather pessimistic John Humberstone

"Working with the owner may be a better way of achieving local aspirations for the site, albeit without restoring the original interior or use," he said.

Campaigners hope to turn the 95-year-old building into a media centre for the community.

John Humberstone is leading the campaign to try and protect the town's heritage.

"Cadw have received further evidence from the group about the Hippodrome's historical importance," he said.

"Cadw don't always say no and they can be persuaded to change their mind.

"We are speaking with the current owner and we will be discussing his plans for the Hippodrome.

Renovated

"I'm disappointed because I felt the report was rather pessimistic," he added.

Cadw has already stated that the building fails to meet their listing criteria.

The building has not been used for the past six years and has subsequently deteriorated.

In his report, Mr Isted states that a substantial amount of money would be required to bring the building back into use as a theatre or cinema.

At one time there were five music halls, or cinemas as they became, in Wrexham.

Famous artists including Ken Dodd, Gracie Fields and Arthur Askey have all appeared on the north Wales stage.

The Hippodrome was renovated in 1961 and was used as a cinema until 1998 when it closed.