Contract Award: North East Wales Archive (NEWA)

Wynne Construction is helping to preserve centuries of Welsh history after securing a £12m design and build contract for the Joint Archives project.

The appointment marks a significant milestone of one of the most important schemes in North East Wales. Flintshire County Council, supported by Denbighshire County Council, has appointed Wynne Construction to deliver a new building to house significant irreplaceable written and pictorial history that dates back more than 900 years.

Overseen by North East Wales Archive (NEWA), formed in 2020 when Denbighshire Archives and Flintshire Record Office came together, the project is looking to establish a stronger, more resilient, and sustainable service for the region.

The new two-story archive building on land adjacent to Theatr Clwyd will feature a repository that will adhere to Passivhaus principles to ensure net zero operations.

This includes maximising airtightness and energy efficiency and will be demonstrated during building when concrete is poured in-situ into a frame to eliminate joints and gaps and help create a climate-controlled, fire-proofed environment.

The development is set to be 2,120m² and will house staff and collections that provide extensive engagement work designed to attract a wider audience,

Managing director Chris Wynne said: “We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver this transformative project. We look forward to working in partnership with both Denbighshire and Flintshire Councils to create a development that supports growth, sustainability and community wellbeing.”

Wynne Construction is currently finalising designs in collaboration with Flintshire County Council, Denbighshire County Council, stakeholders, and local communities with engagement and consultation activities due to take place in June 2026.

This phase of the scheme is part-funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, and supported by Flintshire County Council, Denbighshire County Council, and Welsh Government.

A second-round funding application and planning permissions will begin in 2026 to warrant the construction stage which is expected commence in spring/summer 2027 subject to approval.

Councillor Emrys Wynne, lead member for Welsh language, culture and heritage, said: “This is a major step forward for the project and for the wider community.

“Wynne Construction brings a strong track record of delivering high‑quality developments, and we are confident they will help us realise our ambitions for this project.

“This scheme will deliver long‑term benefits for residents, businesses and visitors, and we are pleased to be moving into the next stage.”

Councillor Mared Eastwood, cabinet member for education, Welsh language, culture and leisure said: “Flintshire and Denbighshire are counties that are rich in heritage.

“We’re delighted that this appointment has been made so that we can further develop this project, which will ensure that our wonderful history will be preserved for years to come and give both local people and visitors the chance to explore and uncover the fascinating stories within the collections.”

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