Ryan Reynolds faces fresh Wrexham controversy over development opening

Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney have found themselves at the centre of a planning row after Wrexham began using their new first-team training pavilion before permission for the development had been granted.

The new facility at Colliers Park in Gresford has been welcomed by Wrexham as an important upgrade to the club’s infrastructure, with chief executive Michael Williamson describing the move as a “significant step forward” as the club continues its push towards the Premier League.

Williamson confirmed that Wrexham’s first-team players would move into the new pavilion this week, explaining that the facility would provide the squad with a dedicated base at the training ground.

“This is a significant step forward for the club,” Williamson wrote in his programme notes.

“The new facility will give our players a dedicated all encompassing venue at the training ground, improving their experience and removing the need to split their time between the Racecourse and Colliers Park.”

He also believes the improved facilities could help Wrexham attract new players, adding that the development provides an advantage when competing for signings who expect access to modern training facilities.

However, the development has caused frustration locally because the planning application was not submitted until August, by which point the pavilion was already close to completion.

Gresford Community Council has expressed its disappointment at being consulted so late in the process and has formally objected to the application.

The matter will now be considered by Wrexham Council’s planning committee on September 7, meaning councillors will effectively be asked to make a decision on a facility that has already been completed and put into use.

One of the community council’s main concerns is the loss of 17 parking spaces at the training ground and whether enough spaces will remain available.

“The Council is disappointed to note that this consultation was not received until the work is almost complete,” the community council stated.

“The Council is concerned as to whether the reduction in parking allows sufficient remaining parking at the location.”

Natural Resources Wales has not objected to the development in principle, although it has asked Wrexham for additional information about the proposed sewage and drainage arrangements.

In particular, the club has been asked to explain why a connection to the public sewer was not possible before a private drainage system was considered.

The latest dispute is not the first time Wrexham have faced criticism over retrospective planning applications.

The club was previously criticised by members of the planning committee during the approval process for its youth academy development in December 2024.

Councillor Mike Morris questioned the club’s record of submitting applications after work had already progressed, arguing that the council needed to take a firm approach.

Despite the planning controversy, the new pavilion represents a major change for Wrexham’s first-team operation.

Until now, players and staff have used the changing facilities at the Racecourse Ground before travelling to Colliers Park for training, with meals also taken at the stadium.

Manager Phil Parkinson previously described the new training development as “huge” for the club, pointing out that Wrexham’s rapid rise through the divisions had made it difficult for their facilities to keep pace with their progress on the pitch.

He believes the new base will provide a major boost as Wrexham compete at Championship level against clubs with established, state-of-the-art training facilities.

With the club continuing to grow under Reynolds and McElhenney, the new pavilion is intended to bring Wrexham’s infrastructure closer to the standards expected at the highest level — although its planning approval now remains a matter for the council.