Creation of new Football Museum for Wales in Wrexham takes step forward after new design team appointed

The creation of a new Football Museum for Wales has taken a step forward after a new design team for the project was appointed.

Haley Sharp Design (hsd), together with architects Purcell and quantity surveyors MDA Consulting, will work with Wrexham Council and the Welsh Government to develop the designs of the new museum before construction begins in 2022.

The Football Museum for Wales will be based within the Wrexham Museum building in the town centre, with major refurbishment works set to be carried out to allow both facilities to exist side by side.

hsd. who have nearly 40 years of experience leading visitor-focussed museum redevelopment projects, have worked on the likes of the Stonehenge Visitor Centre, Grand Egyptian Museum in Cairo, and the Ice Age Fossils State Park in Las Vegas.

Their experience working in Wales includes Big Pit: National Coal Museum, Blaenavon World Heritage Site and Cardigan Castle.

David Donoghue, creative director at hsd said: “We are proud to be working with Wrexham Council, the Welsh Government and communities across Wales to develop a new, dynamic museum experience to enable everyone to actively engage with their heritage.

“We can’t wait to start exploring the rich stories and collections, and to create impactful and exciting proposals.”

Purcell have over 70 years’ experience as architects, masterplanners and heritage consultants. This includes experience with the existing museum building, having written a conservation plan for the building in 2005.

Purcell Associate, Jane Roylance, said: “Purcell are delighted to have the opportunity to continue working with Wrexham Council, supporting hsd and the project sponsors to achieve their vision for a football Museum for Wales and for Wrexham Museum; an iconic building in the heart of historic Wrexham.”

MDA Consulting are an international property and construction consultancy who also celebrated their 70th year of trading in 2021. The organisation has been involved in projects with the National Museum of Wales. Other notable heritage projects MDA have worked on include Alexandra Palace, Museum of London, Dorset County Museum, Stonehenge Visitor Centre and Louvre Abu Dhabi.

Managing Director, Steve Jones, said: “MDA Consulting are delighted to be part of the team to help deliver this exciting new project for Wales and Wrexham.”

New Welsh Government Deputy Minister responsible for Arts and Sport Dawn Bowden said, “I am delighted to see that real progress is now being made in moving this very significant project for Wrexham and Northeast Wales forward and I look forward to working with Wrexham Council to bring this exciting development to completion.”

Wrexham Council’s Lead Member for People – Communities, Partnerships Public Protection and Community Safety, Cllr Hugh Jones said: “The new Football Museum will be a major new attraction for Wrexham town centre, drawing visitors from all over the country and beyond.

“It will tell the story of football in Wales in all its diversity, from the clubs and supporters across the country, all the way up to the national teams and their historic achievements.

“We are delighted to welcome Haley Sharp Design and look forward to seeing this exciting project progressing as we move towards the next stage of its development.”

Wrexham Council’s Chief Executive, Ian Bancroft, said: “The appointment of such a strong world class design team reflects the commitment both of the Council and the Welsh Government to create a museum which will recognise the importance of football in Wales and secure Wrexham’s place as the spiritual home of football in Wales.

“This significant step forward for the project comes at a hugely exciting time for football fans here in Wrexham and across Wales. We congratulate the national team for their fantastic achievements this summer and for adding another thrilling chapter to Welsh football history. ”

(removed links – August 2023)