THE home of Science in North Wales officially has a new identity.
Techniquest Glyndŵr has announced its new look and name to coincide with its multi-million pound move to Wrexham town centre.
Following months of consultation with thousands of people across north Wales and the north west, the new name has now been revealed as ‘Xplore!’
During the research phase, several groups had their say from across the region, including many who aren’t engaged with STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) subjects.
A list of more than 200 names was whittled down to just three during the latter stages of 2019 with the general public voting on their preference, with ‘Xplore!’ the overwhelming favourite across several demographics.
In 2019 the decision was made to move away from the ‘Techniquest’ brand, having established the centre in Wrexham with the support of their Cardiff counterpart.
The team behind the project now has the opportunity to develop their identity having worked in partnership with Techniquest since opening in 2003.
Scot Owen, centre manager at Techniquest Glyndŵr, said: “We’re really pleased to be able to reveal our new name and branding to the general public, who have had a huge part to play in this process.
“We haven’t just taken the advice of our visitors and the community, but each step has been co-created with them.
“This ties in perfectly with our move to Henblas Street and we can’t wait for everything to piece together with work on our new home beginning last month. 2020 is set to be our biggest year yet with lots of exciting changes not only for our organisation but the town centre community.”
North Wales Science – the official name of the educational charity – will continue to trade as Techniquest Glyndŵr whilst at the current site on the Plas Coch campus of Wrexham Glyndŵr University but will become ‘Xplore!’ as soon as the move to Henblas Street comes later on in 2020.
In June 2019, Techniquest Glyndŵr confirmed the move to Wrexham town centre and work began on site in December.
Wrexham Glyndwr University’s executive director of operations, Lynda Powell, said: “Techniquest Glyndwr has had an incredible journey so far and it’s fantastic to be a part of their continued growth.
“The new centre is at the heart of our town and will help to drive regeneration in the area, educating people in STEM – something Wrexham Glyndwr excels at – and bringing science to life.
“We’re really excited to see Xplore! take shape and look forward to the launch later this year.”
After being vacant since 2011, having previously been used for retail, the property on Henblas Street will now breathe new life into the centre of Wrexham.
