SHOW-STOPPING PLANS FROM WARRINGTON ARCHITECT
Warrington based DWA Architects has been appointed to undertake the design of a potential multi-million pound contract in Wales to create the new Cambria Centre on behalf of Coleg Harlech.
This will involve the refurbishment of the existing Grade II* Listed Wern Fawr, which is home to the college’s impressive library, and adjacent theatre, and the creation two new innovative buildings to provide first-class academic and residential facilities. The Cambria Centre will provide conference and exhibition facilities as well as Business Genesis Units
Planning approval is expected in February. If they are given the go ahead, the plans would completely modernise the theatre providing new, state of the art facilities for students and the local community, with the
ultimate aim of attracting the Welsh National Opera to Harlech. They would also provide a brand new education block and 56-bed student accommodation at the college.
Set in a conservation area, Coleg Harlech provides full time and short residential and non-residential community courses tailored to the needs of adults, many of which have been failed by traditional education.
College principal, Annie Williams, says, “The estate is generally in poor repair and many of the buildings are no longer appropriate for the activities we’re undertaking. The Theatre Harlech building also needs considerable investment.
“The new buildings that DWA has designed will revamp the theatre as well as creating purpose-built teaching accommodation, new student accommodation and a more integrated and efficient layout under one roof. The plans include enhanced facilities for people with disabilities and the building will be environmentally sensitive.”
The new 2970 sq ft accommodation block will provide 56 multi-purpose bedrooms over four floors. DWA’s designs are based on an innovative ‘pod’ system, with each pod comprising a lounge, kitchen and four or six bedrooms.
The Warrington firm’s designs for a new 17,000 sq ft education block will enable the creation of new training rooms, tutor accommodation, an art studio, IT area and ceramics studio for the college.
“The buildings have been designed to deliver improved facilities for students and to give the local community a fantastic new resource that will include a library, theatre, workshop and exhibition space and a venue for community theatre, choirs, dance, social events, conferences as well as units for business development,” says Annie Williams.
“The improvements to Theatre Harlech will modernise the facility, increase floor space and improve stage access. Our ultimate goal is to encourage major attractions such as the Welsh National Opera to visit.”
DWA Architects has a strong track record in the education and leisure sectors. Director, Andrew Cross, says: “It’s fantastic to be involved in such a high profile and complex project. Our designs have taken into consideration the importance and sensitivity of the location. We have designed the buildings sensitively, taking into account the World Heritage site, the setting of the Grade 2* listed building Wern Fawr, the conservation area and the importance of the landscape as a whole.”