New look for university
University students present and future will enjoy the transformation of their campus in the coming years.
An innovative science garden and £200,000 catering revamp have been unveiled at Wrexham Glyndwr University.
The improvements form part of the University's Campus 2025 project, which will feature new student accommodation, car parking, upgraded academic and research rooms and transfiguration of buildings, including the main entrance.
The new catering facilities were overhauled by food services company Aramark and include outlets providing global brands Costa Coffee, Starbucks and Grumpy Mule, a food court, refurbished coffee bars and an overhaul of the cafeteria at the School of Creative Arts on Regent Street.
Members of the community will be encouraged to use the facilities.
Opening the new United Kitchen food court with Wrexham AM Lesley Griffiths and MP Ian Lucas, Vice-Chancellor Professor Maria Hinfelaar said: "The cornerstone of our vision and strategy is to improve the student experience; this involves the transformation of the learning and social environment outlined in our newly launched Campus 2025 strategy.
"We have started that roll-out with our catering provision, as catering is a crucial part of student and campus life and we recognised that we must provide the services, products and brands that students now expect."
Students' Union President Travis Davies echoed her words and believes the refresh will attract more students and visitors on campus.
He said: "Prices are a lot more student friendly and the quality of food has been highly commended by students. The outlets are now all visually welcoming and having different coffee in every outlet ensures that there is enough for students to choose from.
"Aramark are constantly listening to student feedback and making positive changes as a result so we know as a Students' Union that this close relationship will continue to last."
The science garden at Techniquest Glyndwr has involved a £33,000 plot funded by numerous organisations and built by volunteers over 400 hours. It features a plastic bottle greenhouse, raised planting areas and a pond.
The full Campus 2025 modernisation programme is being overseen by educational design specialists, DAY Architectural, beginning with student accommodation in 2018.
Lynda Powell, director of operations at Wrexham Glyndwr University, added: "The improvements to our catering provision are just the first step, it's definitely a case of 'watch this space' as there is much more to come as we further develop the campus here in Wrexham."
