Glyndwr University

Client Name: Glyndwr University (novated to ISG Regions)
Project Name: Creative Industries Building
Value: £2.4 million project costs (including fit out)
Dates:  January-December 2010 (Opening second semester in early 2011)

In May 2009 Lawray was appointed by Glyndwr University to develop proposals for the Creative Industries Building on their Plas Coch campus in Wrexham.  This keynote building is the first of a long term strategic development of the University’s sites across across North East Wales.

The University has recognised the growth in the Creative Industries sector as an important part of the economic development of this region and are bringing together the skills within its existing Schools of Art, Computer Science, Humanities and Media to create a centre of excellence for them. This new building will provide specialist learning area but also spaces for social interaction for students on differing courses and with emerging enterprises.

As a keynote building the location of the building was important. The existing main campus building, built in the 1950’s is on the main approach into Wrexham. This building was to be placed in front of this Listed, but somewhat dated, structure as a symbol of the University status which Glyndwr achieved in 2008 therefore the design of this new accommodation against the Listed building required a radical approach and a careful appreciation of its location and style. 

The new Creative Industries Building ‘grows’ out of the grass embankment in front of the 1950’s structure. It sweeps away to ensure the landmark of the existing clock tower remains dominant.  The new building rises from a low single storey up to a two and a half storey height studio area in a shell –like form.  The integration into the landscape is reinforced by having a ‘green’ roof over the whole building, which will not have energy saving benefits but will enhamce the ecological value of the site by encouraging flora and fauna.

The exterior is clad in new materials but with a brick tile facing the older building as a reference to its appearance with geometric cladding to the other faces.  The south elevation is entirely glazed opening out onto the mature 1950’s lawns which are a feature of the existing campus.

The Creative Industries building will achieve a BREEAM Excellent environmental rating. Photo voltaic panels are used as a brise-soliel,  but also demonstrate some of the optics technologies for which Glyndwr is a world leader.  The selection of energy sources and of materials further create a building of low energy use and embodiment.

Internally the building combines closed studios for learning and developing practical, computing and media skills together with a large two storey open social learning platform which is the focus for students, staff and emerging companies to interact. Thus providing enhanced employment opportunities for Glyndwr University graduates by the development of these new academic and business areas of activity that cross traditional school boundaries which relate directly to the creative industries.

It will also create a new facility at Glyndwr University to support the development of new university level academic provision linked to the growing creative industries sector in the UK which is currently under-developed in north east Wales.

It is to support Glyndwr University’s aspiration to further grow and enhance educational opportunities for students from the local community.

The design was developed through 2009 and the contractor, ISG Regions was appointed in December so that work started on site in January 2011. The building is due to be completed in December 2010 and become fully operational for the second semester in February.

Jim Parker, Regional Director for ISG said “This is set to become a landmark development for the University both in terms of overall sustainability and the quality and range of new facilities on offer to students.”