Turf cutting ceremony at Wrexham University’s Health and Education Innovation Quarter

A turf cutting ceremony has kickstarted the next phase of works at a Health and Education Innovation Quarter (HEIQ) at Wrexham University.

The development is the next stage of enhancing the institution’s new facility – which officially opened at the beginning of last year.

It aims to prepare students for their chosen professional fields by providing industry-leading technology and encouraging inter-professional working.

The turf cutting ceremony to celebrate the start of the works on the next phase of the HEIQ took place on Wednesday (October 9) at the University, with staff coming together with stakeholders and partners to mark the occasion.

The next phase will take the institution to even further heights – once again, ensuring that industry-leading technology is available to students’ by creating a new immersive teaching environment, which will allow for a combination of both virtual and augmented reality.

There also be construction of a Teaching and Learning Lab and a Hydrasimulation Suite – which is being developed in conjunction with the Hydra Foundation – that will help students with their critical decision-making skills, through simulation of emergency situations, as well as student centred study spaces and a new café.

Construction of this next phase is being carried out by North Wales-based, Wynne Construction, following a competitive tender process.

Dr Caroline Hughes, Associate Dean for Student Engagement at Wrexham University, said: “We are delighted to share this exciting progress regarding our next phase of the HEIQ – and were thrilled to welcome partners and stakeholders to celebrate work on this next phase officially getting underway.

“This next phase will see us continue to strive forward when it comes to providing our students with technology enhanced, immersive learning experiences using devices and software, that will help prepare them for their chosen professions and work collaboratively, as they would in the professional environment.

“These new facilities will enable significant enhancement in our students’ learning experience, and will allow for increased opportunities for interprofessional working.”

Paul Moran, Capital Projects Manager at Wrexham University, said: “We are pleased to have appointed North Wales-based, Wynne Construction as the main contractor of this project, who possess an excellent track record in education works in North Wales and beyond.

“This next phase of our HEIQ is going to make a real impact on our students’ overall experience and learning.”

This scheme is the latest project being delivered as part of the University’s ongoing Campus 2025 strategy – an £80 million investment project to improve and revitalise facilities across the University’s three campuses.

Chris Wynne, Managing Director of Wynne Construction, added: “We’re thrilled to be building another educational facility that will provide students with a state-of-the-art and innovative learning experience.

“We’re also looking forward to continuing our working relationship with Wrexham University and delivering the associated social value benefits such as work experience and opportunities for site visits.”

Completion of this next phase is anticipated for December 2025.