Modernising of ‘dated’ academic laboratories planned at Wrexham University

Listed building consent is being sought to allow for the redevelopment of academic laboratories at Wrexham University.

An application submitted to Wrexham Council states that internal refurbishment works are planned with the C-Block corridor in the Wrexham campus.

The proposals feature as part of the wider ‘Campus 2025’ development – which aims to “provide a modern, flexible campus, with spaces which are able to adapt as teaching and learning styles evolve.”

The corridor is described as running parallel to the north-west of the principal frontage block facing south-west to Mold Road.

It is described as being specifically constructed for “teaching physics, chemistry, and biological sciences, with laboratories to ground floor and classrooms to first floor, retaining scientific teaching use.”

According to a heritage statement submitted by Henderson Heritage, the plans will “allow the existing but dated laboratories to rooms C34, C36 and C43 within Corridor C Block, Science and Engineering, to be brought up to modern day standards in a manner that is sympathetic to their historic character and appearance.”

The plans involve the removal of modern partitions within them, bringing the space back to its original layout

It also includes the removal of modern stud partition walls to C34 and C36 – in addition to a modern mezzanine, associated plumbing and high level radiator.

Along the corridor itself there will be alterations to the existing display cabinets.

The application continues onto state: “Replacement of the existing internal dividing walls will allow for more flexible teaching spaces that are adaptable and allow the University to respond to student needs with dynamic teaching facilities.

“An inclusive design has been prioritised. The teaching spaces have all been designed to allow full accessibility and to facilitate the highest standard of learning and interaction between students and staff.

Other changes include:-

• Opening 2.no display windows to C34 and C36a between corridor and lab room (retaining its present shape) and removing asbestos backboard and window sill to allow for views from corridor into lab space
• Opening a new glazed window to the wall of C43 and the corridor
• Insulation to maintenance workshop including at truss height level and roof
• Removal of modern columns to corridor
• Removal of partition wall to C43

The heritage statement continues onto say: “Wrexham University’s Plas Coch Campus is of high significance.

“There are several distinct areas of varying significance, but there is a uniformity and cohesiveness of the interior that is a careful and well considered juxtaposition of old and new.

“The proposals to Corridor C follow a pattern of development that has been bold in its intervention of fabric to Corridor A, B and C, which has been tempered with well executed and well considered alterations that follow the five principles outlined for ‘new work or alteration to a significant place’ in Section 28 of Cadw’s ‘Conservation Principles for the sustainable management of the Historic Environment in Wales’, March 2011

“The proposed development is not prominent or intrusive.

“It is the degree of harm to the listed building’s significance rather than the scale of the development that is to be assessed.

“As set out, the proposals are minor, and the principle previously established. It would not cause harm to the significance of the building.

“The proposed development would therefore be in accordance with the statutory duties of legislation, and local and national relevant plan policies.

“The application should respectfully be supported.”

The application will be considered for approval by Wrexham Council at a later date.