Funding secured for study into future of University's William Aston Hall

Wrexham University is delighted to have secured support from the Arts Council of Wales and Welsh Government, through the Arts Capital Investment Fund, to undertake a RIBA feasibility study for William Aston Hall. 

The RIBA (Royal Institute of British Architects) feasibility study will aim to understand how the University can protect, improve and strengthen William Aston Hall, which is used as a theatre, for the future, as both a University building and a working cultural venue. It will consider audience arrival, accessibility, seating, acoustics, stage and backstage facilities, technical theatre requirements, environmental comfort, sustainability, running costs, Welsh language and cultural use, commercial viability, graduations, University events and wider civic use. 

Paul Moran, Interim Head of Estates and Campus Management at Wrexham University, said: “The RIBA study will allow us to understand the building and its constraints, look at how the Hall currently works, test realistic options, identify risks, prepare outline costs and phasing, and recommend the next steps. It is not a decision to carry out any works just yet. 

“It will help us work out the right level of future investment and allow us to plan properly. That could mean targeted improvements, phased refurbishment, accessibility upgrades, technical improvements, front-of-house improvements, environmental upgrades, or a larger future capital project if the evidence supports it. 

Professor Ieuan Ellis, Deputy Vice Chancellor Partnerships & Commercial, added: “William Aston Hall is both an important University asset and a major cultural space for our city and region and plays an important role in the 2030 Vision for Wrexham University to be a World Leading Modern Civic University. At a time when Wrexham’s cultural profile continues to grow (achieving the shortlist for UK City of Culture), this work will help protect and develop a valued cultural asset for audiences, artists, students, graduates and communities across North- East Wales”