TJ Hughes Option As Techniquest Looks For Second Hub

Techniquest Glyndŵr is looking at expanding to a second hub in the town center, with Wrexham.com understanding a takeover the old TJ Hughes store is a possibility.

The rumours of a new tenant for the TJ Hughes store have grown recently with various speculation around town to who will take over the large property. The 31,000 square foot two story building closed in 2011 and was seen by many as an important link between Chester Street and Henblas Street, with people often using it as a cut through when it was last open.

Techniquest told us that although they are looking for a second site ideally in town, discussions are at an early stage and nothing has yet been confirmed in terms of possible locations or operation.

Wrexham.com were told: “Building on its successful foundation, Techniquest Glyndŵr is looking to expand its reach within the community and is exploring the possibility of opening a second hub in the town.

“Discussions are taking place with a number of partner organisations, these talks are in their very early stages and are looking at a mix of options.”

“Techniquest Glyndŵr, has experienced a steady growth in visitor numbers since opening the Science Discovery Centre based on Glyndŵr University Campus in 2003. It has engaged with over 578,300 people, consisting of a mix of educational inreach and outreach visits to schools in the region and visits from the general public enjoying an educational and fun family day out.

“As a charitable social enterprise, Techniquest Glyndŵr is always seeking to enhance the quality and sustainability of its core business, in communicating science in exciting and innovative ways to all audiences, regardless of age, ability or background. This inevitably involves consideration of a range of options, both for its work with schools and as a tourist destination.

“Techniquest Glyndŵr is firmly committed to its educational mission and will be seeking to maintain its extremely close working relationship with Glyndŵr University.”

A Glyndwr University spokesperson told Wrexham.com that: “Glyndwr University is always looking to expand its reach within the community and is exploring the possibility of opening a new Techniquest Glyndwr hub in Wrexham town centre.”

“This would be used to expand Techniquest Glyndwr’s very successful and inspirational work on science and technology outreach to the public.

“Discussions are at a very early stage and centred around diversifying TQG’s offering across two locations. The current TQG headquarters at our Wrexham campus would be unaffected.”

Wrexham Council told us this week they have ‘no information’ regarding Techniquest moving to TJ Hughes.