Case Study
Creative Hub
Location:
Wrexham
Project type:
Heritage Refurbishment & Extension
Project value:
£4 million
Client:
Wrexham Borough County Council
Completion:
2026
Project overview
The Old Library, a historic Grade II listed building in Wrexham, has been sensitively transformed into a vibrant hub for the creative arts.
The project combined the careful restoration of the original structure with the addition of a contemporary glazed café extension, creating a modern destination while preserving the building’s architectural heritage.
JPS provided structural engineering design services for both the refurbishment and extension works, including the strengthening of the existing building to support its new use and ensure compliance with current building regulations. Working alongside Lawray Architects, Read Construction and Kendley Steel, JPS helped deliver a scheme that successfully balances heritage conservation with modern functionality.
The engineering challenge
The scheme presented several challenges, including:
- Adapting a Grade II listed building for a new purpose while preserving its historic character and architectural features.
- Assessing and strengthening the existing structure to meet modern building regulation requirements.
- Integrating a contemporary extension with a heritage asset in a sympathetic and visually striking manner.
- Designing exposed structural steelwork where both structural performance and appearance were critical considerations.
- Coordinating structural solutions within the constraints associated with refurbishment works to an historic building.
The engineering solution
JPS was responsible for:
- Providing structural engineering design services for the refurbishment and extension works.
- Designing structural strengthening measures to enhance the performance of the existing listed building.
- Developing solutions that enabled the original structure to be safely adapted for its new creative arts function.
- Designing a simple yet elegantly detailed steel frame for the contemporary glazed café extension.
- Working closely with the project team and steel fabricator to develop exposed steel connections that met both structural and architectural requirements
- Collaborating with Lawray, Read Construction and Kendley Steel throughout the design and delivery process.
The outcome
- Successful transformation of a historic Grade II listed building into a modern creative arts hub.
- Preservation and restoration of key heritage features while meeting contemporary performance standards.
- Delivery of a distinctive glazed café extension that complements the original architecture.
- Structural upgrades that ensure the building remains fit for purpose for future generations.
- A revitalised community asset that combines historic character with modern functionality.
- A high-quality architectural outcome achieved through close collaboration between the design and construction teams.
