Wrexham’s on the up… and we’re not just talking about football!
Image credit: Wrexham Council
It’s safe to say that the city of Wrexham has had a rollercoaster few years, and is showing no signs of stopping. From the new Hollywood owners of Wrexham AFC in 2021 to receiving city status in 2022. With the latest news that Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney are now co-owners of Wrexham Lager, things are certainly happening in Wrexham.
JPS is very happy to be playing a part in this. We have many exciting projects in our Wrexham portfolio. From new buildings to restorations and renovations of existing historical buildings and facilities. Read on to find out what we’ve been up to in Wrexham recently…
Health and Therapies Centre of Excellence
Coleg Cambria
Image credit: Radar PR
Coleg Cambria has recently opened its brand new £14m Health and Therapies Centre of Excellence on its Yale campus. JPS provided the civil and structural design for this new structure built by Wynne Construction. On a constrained city centre site, the project involved demolishing two buildings to make way for the new three storey learning hub. The site was excavated to construct the basement beauty workshop areas. The project’s foundations and basement slabs were laid in spring 2023 which involved 2 round-the-clock concrete pours. The superstructure was formed in steel framing with composite concrete slabs including a large overhang façade projecting out beyond the ground floor walls. The team worked in close proximity to the existing listed building and also protected trees. The campus remained open to students throughout the construction phase of the project.
The finished building includes treatment rooms, a spa, classroom space and workshop areas. Follow this link for a virtual tour of the new building or book in for a treatment!
Wrexham Markets
Wrexham’s historic Butchers and General markets will reopen later this month. The opening coincides with the Wrexham Christmas markets which take place every year in the city centre. This year, they are set to be bigger and better than ever, thanks to the regeneration of High street and the markets all ready in time for the Christmas shopping season! JPS provided full structural and civil design for the sympathetic restoration of these Grade II listed buildings. When open, the markets will house a variety of market stalls and food and drink outlets.
Xplore! Science Discovery Centre
Our structural team is currently supporting Cassidy+Ashton Architects with the latest development at Xplore!, a popular tourist attraction in Wrexham’s city centre. Plans include the development of an upstairs space to expand on the existing 80 exhibits and workshops. In addition, the team are working hard to ensure that all updates to the building reduce its carbon footprint and make it energy efficient.
Football Museum for Wales
Image credit: Hayley Sharpe Design
JPS are also supporting contractor SWG with the construction of the new Football Museum for Wales based in the current Wrexham museum building on Regent street, This museum is part of the wider Wrexham gateway project. This masterplan is hoping to transform the area around the football stadium and train station and entrance to the city, enhancing the experience for visitors to the city.
Wrexham Creative Hub
Also currently at design stage is the new Wrexham Creative Hub. The former library and council building on Queen’s Square are being transformed and extended to become a hub for creative industries in the city. JPS is currently working alongside Wrexham based companies Lawray Architects and Read Construction to deliver this exciting project which will breath new life into this historic listed building.
Meanwhile, if you’re visiting Wrexham in the near future, you might catch sight of the new public art trail which is currently underway. The trail will showcase Wrexham’s rich culture and heritage through a collection of murals and artwork.
Next summer Wrexham is hosting the Eisteddfod Genedlaethol, the national Eisteddfod festival which is a celebration of Welsh language and culture. The site on the outskirts of the town was revealed last month and many volunteers are busily fundraising to support the event, which will see the spotlight on Wrexham again.
Stay tuned to hear the latest developments form our Wrexham projects and future plans in the city.
