Wynne Construction to oversee first leg of major Wrexham University Engineering facility redevelopment
A leading Welsh construction firm has been appointed for the preparation of an ambitious transformation of Wrexham University.
Bodelwyddan-based Wynne Construction have been awarded the pre-construction services agreement (PCSA) for the institution’s £30m enterprise, engineering, and optics centre (EEOC) which will be built as part of the North Wales Growth Deal.
The building, which is part of the Growth Deal investment into the region led by Ambition North Wales and supported by £240m funding from Welsh and UK Governments, will aim to become a hub for the design and construction of products involving composites and optics.
Alongside development, the approximately 2,187M2 site will provide a space for the university to work with business partners and undertake cutting-edge research into advanced solutions supporting the implementation of lightweight composite materials alongside the adoption of hydrogen fuel.
Wynne Construction will lead on the initial planning process and design of the facility, which will be situated at flagship campus Plas Coch, with a view for work to commence by February 2024.
Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Wrexham University, Aulay Mackenzie, said: “We are delighted to appoint Wynne Construction as the main contractor on the enterprise engineering and optics centre build project at our Plas Coch campus.
“We are confident that in working with the team at Wynne, our new facility will set the standard in design, functionality and in demonstrating significant carbon emission reduction, all while delivering significant social value to North Wales.”
The scheme kickstarts the university’s Campus 2025 strategy, which aims to deliver a high-quality and 21st century academic and industry engagement environment for students from Wrexham and around the world to develop innovative solutions to real-world problems.
Wynne Construction will also be working alongside the institution to provide a wide-reaching package of social value in the local community, with consultation and feedback a key element of the initial process.
Managing director of Wynne Construction Chris Wynne said: “We are thrilled to take part in this transformative programme which will not only be of benefit to Wrexham University, but all of North Wales.
“As with all our builds, social value is at the heart of our work; we look forward to delivering transparent communication and community involvement as we design 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 design process is already underway, and we look forward to bringing our expertise to this scheme to create a first-class building that leaves a lasting legacy of social, economic, and environmental benefit for Wrexham and surrounding areas.”
Designated as one of two high value manufacturing projects under the North Wales Growth Deal, the centre aims to bring additional investment and innovation to the region as part of a transition to a low carbon economy.
Hedd Vaughan-Evans, Head of Operations from Ambition North Wales said: “This is an exciting next step in the delivery of this Growth Deal project that will expand innovation opportunities for North Wales businesses and create high value jobs across the region.
“We’re delighted that a North Wales company have been successful in the tendering process and impressed by the significant social value the project will deliver for the region.
“We look forward to working with Wrexham University and Wynne Construction through the up-coming design process ahead of a final investment decision later this year.”