New Science and Engineering Quarter will “encourage curiosity and foster culture of innovation”
Date: Thursday, November 14, 2024
Work on modern and industry-focussed Science and Engineering facilities has gotten underway at Wrexham University, as the institution continues to press ahead with its £80 million Campus 2025 masterplan.
Badged as the Science and Engineering Quarter, the development will see the introduction of a host of cutting-edge spaces for students, which will promote further experimental and engaging learning experiences, as well as a modern refurbishment of several spaces in the University’s C-corridor.
The new Science and Engineering Quarter will include an Electrical and Electronics Laboratory, which is being designed to assist students in uncovering the fundamentals of digital and analogue electronics, smart systems, automation control and power electronics.
It will also feature a Fluids and Structures Laboratory, which will include a range of equipment to encourage experimentation, and facilitate development of professional projects and analysis of project components.
There will also be a Machine Workshop, which will enable students to experience engineering manufacturing, and a dedicated Student Project Maker Space, which will serve as a collaborative project space for learners in developing engineering solutions for all of society.
The University has been awarded £750,000 to fund the new facilities by Medr – formerly the Higher Education Funding Council for Wales (HEFCW) – the body responsible for funding and regulating the tertiary education and research sector in Wales.
Construction of the new Science and Engineering Quarter is being carried out by Oswestry-based, Pave Aways. All of the spaces are being developed to commercial, modern engineering and manufacturing environment standards.
Professor Anne Nortcliffe, Dean of Faculty of Arts, Computing and Engineering at Wrexham University, said: “The Science and Engineering Quarter is an exciting step forward for our provision and learning environment.
“It will help us to shape the future of Science and Engineering education and research activities, here at the University, by providing an environment akin to modern engineering industry that will encourage curiosity and foster an even stronger culture of innovation amongst our students to support the regional and national economy.
“It’s important to say that this would not be possible without generous support from Medr – their funding has been instrumental in turning our vision into reality. A huge thank you to Medr for their support.”
The Science and Engineering Quarter is just one of the current projects being delivered as part of the institution’s ongoing Campus 2025 strategy, which aims to enhance facilities across the University’s four campuses.
Work is due to be completed by the end of this year.
Photo caption: From left, Gavin Garrigan, Engineering Project Manager at UK Engineering; back – Ian Winnington, Composites Technician Demonstrator at Wrexham University; middle – Professor Anne Nortcliffe, Dean of Faculty of Arts, Computing and Engineering at Wrexham University; Paul Moran, Capital Projects Manager at Wrexham University; and Andrew Owen, Site Manager at Pave Aways