Environmental sustainability award for newly refurbished Crown Buildings

Wrexham’s new health and well-being hub has won an award for its environmental sustainability.

Crown Buildings, on Chester Street, underwent a major refurbishment before officially opening its doors at the end of 2022.

It is now a base for all social care and education staff, delivering seamless children and adults’ services with the creation of a new Wellbeing Hub to the ground floor of the building.

The facility has now received a coveted Ystadau Cymru award for its environmental sustainability – as well as being awarded overall winners too.

Ystadau Cymru is a celebration of the successful collaborative asset management across the Welsh public sector.

The redevelopment of the 1960s council building was completed on time and under budget.

It has also improved the buildings energy performance from EPC D to EPC A, which helps to tackle the carbon crisis whilst extending the lifespan of the existing structure by over 50 additional years whilst also maximising the supply of renewable energy.

Leader of Wrexham Council, Cllr Mark Pritchard said: “The Crown Buildings project stands out from the crowd in our dedication to our Net Zero ambition – transforming an outdated and inefficient 1960’s facility into a modern office.

“The refurbishment has helped to reduce the heating demand by 66% with a further 25% reduction in energy demand from the electrical installations. We would like to thank our designers, contractors and partners, it’s a fantastic project, and one in which we are very proud of as a council. I would also like to thank all Officers involved in the project from the start”.

A spokesperson from Alex Read Construction said: “Read are proud to have been involved in the Crown Building Scheme which demonstrates a truly collaborative team effort, focusing on the decarbonisation of one of Wrexham’s major existing assets.

“With two thirds of 2030’s built assets, already existing today, tackling the carbon crisis through refit / refurbishment is the biggest challenge the industry faces in reaching Net Zero.

“Having embraced the challenge, we are proud to have supported Wrexham in beginning to address the challenge and sharing their experiences for the benefit of other portfolio managers.”

The Well Being Hub, based on the ground floor of the building provides integrated health, social care, third sector and community services; improving access to information and advice and delivering preventative and alternative solutions to care and support in a safe environment, with accessible facilities for all ages and abilities.