Wynne unearths the potential of a cutting-edge university development

Wynne Construction has broken ground for a multi-million-pound new research building for Wrexham University, welcoming two government ministers to the site to signify the start of work.

The leading Welsh firm has been appointed as the main contractor for the £18m Enterprise, Engineering, and Optics Centre (EEOC), marking the first construction project under the North Wales Growth Deal.

The turf cutting saw Fay Jones MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales and Rebecca Evans MS, Minister for Finance and Local Government attend the Plas Coch campus, alongside Ambition North Wales and university representatives.

The 2,080m2 facility, which is due to be completed in 2025, has been designed by Wynne to aid with the region’s transition to net zero, with the team implementing sustainable measures to reduce the centre’s overall carbon footprint.

For example, photovoltaic (PV) solar panels will be fitted on the centre’s roof to provide a renewable electricity supply, and a ‘digital twin’ management tool will be implemented to monitor its energy efficiency upon completion.

Chris Wynne, managing director of the Bodelwyddan firm, said: “We are thrilled to be part of this transformative development for Wrexham University.

“We look forward to bringing our expertise and working together with the university team and partners, to create a first-class building that leaves a lasting legacy for Wrexham and the North Wales region.”

As part of the scheme, Wynne is delivering range of engagement activities for students and the local community.

To enhance the studies of current architectural and design technology undergraduates, two of the firm’s design managers have outlined the digital methods used in the planning process and offered insight on pursuing a career in the industry.

Chris added: “As with all our quality builds, social value is at the heart of our work; we look forward to delivering transparent communication and community involvement as we deliver a facility that reflects the aspirations of an innovative regional economy.

“Extending beyond job creation and development opportunities with our supply chain, we will work to ensure environmental sustainability and support initiatives that preserve and celebrate the ambition behind this project.”

The EEOC is being delivered across two of the university’s sites, Wrexham’s Plas Coch campus and the OpTIC Technology Centre in St Asaph, with Growth Deal funding to provide £11.55m of the total value.

Rebecca Evans MS, Minister for Finance and Local Government, said: “I am pleased to be here in Wrexham to see the start of construction on this exciting project which is part of the North Wales Growth Deal.

“Based on two sites, it will bring benefits across North Wales. It is good news for training and skills, as well as helping businesses reduce their impact on the environment.”

Fay Jones MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Wales, said: “I was delighted to be in Wrexham to see the start of the delivery of this fantastic project.

“The new Enterprise Engineering and Optics Centre promises to be a brilliant facility for Wrexham University and their industry colleagues.

“The UK Government is proud to invest in the North Wales Growth Deal, helping to bring about real change in North Wales by creating jobs and spreading prosperity through projects just like this.”

Professor Maria Hinfelaar, Vice-Chancellor at Wrexham University, said: “This milestone development would not be possible without investment from the North Wales Growth Deal.

“We are also delighted that Wynne Construction will be delivering this build. We are confident that the centre will be of a high-standard in terms of design, functionality and also, in demonstrating significant carbon emissions reductions, all while delivering vast social value to North Wales.”

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