Official Opening: CanfodAu at Wrexham University

The Engineering, Enterprise and Optic Centre (EEOC) project at Wrexham University held an official opening ceremony.

The newly named CanfodAu – Canolfan Peirianneg ac Arloesi (Centre for Engineering and Innovation) is projected to create up to 94 new jobs and generate an additional £88m of added value.

Wynne Construction was appointed in 2023 with a pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) to deliver the initial planning process and design of the facility, with the Denbighshire-based firm then starting construction works in February 2024.

The completed 2,080m² building comprises dedicated cleanrooms and workshops, seven labs, and the region’s only secure facility for high-frequency and electromagnetic testing.

During the construction phase, a number of material selections were made aimed at reducing the carbon footprint, including photovoltaic panels, innovative insulation incorporated into the building design, a heat pump system, and low-carbon steel.

Wynne Construction also safeguarded more than 400 jobs, with nearly 60 per cent of the workforce residing in Wales and 80 per cent of apprentices recruited from North Wales. In addition, 76 per cent of the supply chain spend was directed to regional SMEs, nearly a third of which operate in areas of high depravation.

Targeted efforts also saw a 30.5 per cent increase in biodiversity across the university’s campuses with trees and wildflowers planted at its Northop site to create a feeding and nesting ground for insects, birds and small animals.

The project was made possible by investment from Ambition North Wales through the North Wales Growth Deal – which is funded by both UK and Welsh governments.

Jack Sargeant, Minister for Culture, Skills and Social Partnership, and a Wrexham University alumni, officially opened in the building.

He said: “The CanfodAu facility represents exactly the kind of forward-thinking investment Wales needs to build a prosperous, sustainable future.

As a proud Wrexham University alumni myself, I’ve seen first-hand how this institution transforms lives and drives opportunity across our region. It’s an investment in our people, our industries, and our planet.”

Wynne Construction Managing Director Chris Wynne said: “I’m immensely proud of our team for delivering this flagship facility for Wrexham University.

“From design through to handover, our close collaboration with the university has been central to the project’s success.

“This development reflects Wynne Construction’s commitment to meeting client specifications, delivering high-quality buildings, and creating lasting community impact.

“We’re particularly proud to have achieved a 30.5 per cent net gain in campus biodiversity and exceeded our social value targets by delivering 114 per cent, with a strong focus on supporting areas of high deprivation identified by the university.”

Professor Joe Yates, Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham University, said: “This centre embodies our commitment to collaboration between academia and industry, enabling research skills development that address real-world challenges.

“By fostering cutting-edge work in advanced manufacturing, hydrogen technologies and renewable energy, CanfodAu will not only strengthen North Wales’ position as a hub for high-value innovation but also empower our communities to thrive in a smarter, greener and more resilience future.

“Now, with CanfodAu open and operational, the project enters a pivotal phase where its full potential to drive innovation and inclusive growth can truly accelerate.”

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