Wrexham University Announces Completion of New Simulation and Immersive Learning Centre

Date: June 5, 2026

Wrexham University is proud to announce the completion of its new Simulation and Immersive Learning Centre - a significant investment in the future of teaching, learning and innovation across the University.

The new development at the Plas Coch campus supports the ambitions set out in the University’s 2030 Vision and Strategy, reinforcing Wrexham University’s commitment to delivering sector-leading teaching environments and transformative educational opportunities.

Designed to support a wide range of subject areas and interdisciplinary learning opportunities, the state-of-the-art centre will provide realistic, technology-enhanced learning environments that help learners develop practical skills, confidence and professional experience in safe and controlled settings before entering the workplace.

The new facilities include an Immersive Suite, HYDRA (Simulation for Emergency Multi-Agency Training), Learning Technology Lab, Social Learning Space, café and collaborative teaching environments. These spaces will enable staff, learners and partners to use advanced digital technologies, simulated real-world scenarios and interactive learning experiences to support teaching, training, research and professional development.

Sue Horder, Associate Dean: Academic Affairs, said: “Immersive learning offers learners a more engaging and memorable way to understand complex ideas. It places them inside realistic, interactive environments, strengthens knowledge retention and helps them build practical skills they can safely apply in real-world settings.”

While the centre will play a key role in supporting healthcare education and simulation-based learning - helping learners prepare for placements and professional practice through realistic clinical scenarios - it has also been designed to benefit a broader range of courses and disciplines across the University. The flexible facilities will support collaborative teaching, digital learning, applied research and industry engagement.

Andy Jones, Senior Lecturer in Policing at Wrexham University, added: “HYDRA gives learners the opportunity to work through realistic multi-agency scenarios in a safe environment, helping them develop confidence, communication and decision-making skills before entering professional practice.”

In addition to supporting students and staff, the Simulation and Immersive Learning Centre will also offer opportunities for engagement with external partners, businesses, organisations and the wider community, helping to strengthen regional collaboration, skills development and innovation.

Professor Joe Yates, Vice Chancellor of Wrexham University, said: “The Simulation and Immersive Learning Centre represents another important step in our commitment to delivering outstanding teaching, learning and professional development opportunities. These facilities will support learners, staff and partners with access to innovative environments that encourage collaboration, creativity and real-world learning experiences across a wide range of disciplines.

“This investment reflects our ambition to create modern, inclusive and future-focused learning environments that not only enhance teaching and skills development, but also strengthen our role as a civic university supporting regional growth, innovation and partnership working.”

He added: “The centre also creates exciting opportunities to work more closely with businesses, organisations and community partners through training, professional development and collaborative activity, further strengthening Wrexham University’s contribution to the region and beyond.”

Wrexham University would like to thank Wynne Construction, project partners, estates colleagues and faculty teams for their collaboration and commitment throughout the development.

Further information on Wrexham University’s courses can be found at Wrexham University courses