A SCIENCE discovery centre based in Wrexham has received a further boost after its plans to transform a former department store in the town centre were approved.
Earlier this month, Techniquest Glyndŵr confirmed it had received a combined total of £2.5 million to enable the empty former TJ Hughes building on Henblas Square to be converted
The move from its current base at Glyndŵr University’s Plas Coch campus has now moved a step closer after Wrexham Council approved a planning application to allow it to go ahead.
The centre said it would be able to offer an ambitious programme of science events, along with a much wider selection of interactive exhibits as a result.
The ratified scheme includes a theatre, shop, dining area and workshop and the charity behind the proposals believes it will attract more visitors to the town centre.
Escape rooms could also be built within the new facility to provide entertainment for children.
In a letter accompanying the application, a representative from real estate company Narvo Asset Management said the move would create around eight new jobs.
Andrew Smith said: “Two Henblas Square has now been vacant since 2011.
“This proposal seeks permission to introduce a new use into Wrexham town centre, which will bring numerous benefits, both to North Wales Science and Wrexham town centre itself.
“The town centre will benefit from an active use, which attracts people into the town centre and in part addresses the widespread impact of the struggling and shrinking town centre retail offering.
“The proposed use as an education and learning centre provides North Wales with an important resource for science and will play a key social and education role, particularly for young people.
“The analysis if relevant policies demonstrates that the planning balance is firmly tipped toward the grant of planning permission, to enable North Wales Science to occupy the building.”
Techniquest has already held a number of pop-up events in the old store, which stood empty for seven years.
The initial agreement to open on a short-term basis followed negotiations with MCR Property Group, which owns the former store.
The £2.8million project includes £1.75million grant funding awarded by the Inspiring Science Fund and £750,000 from the Welsh Government’s Targeted Regeneration Investment programme.
The planning application was approved by Wrexham Council officers using delegated powers.
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