New archive centre plans move forward for North East Wales

Plans for a new state-of-the-art archive centre for North East Wales are continuing to progress, with residents invited to attend a series of public drop-in sessions to find out more about the ambitious project.

In April 2024, The National Lottery Heritage Fund approved development phase funding to support plans for a new purpose-built archive centre adjacent to Theatr Clwyd.

The proposed new centre will bring together the staff and collections of both Flintshire and Denbighshire archive services, creating a modern, accessible home for the region’s rich historical collections while also supporting a wide-ranging three-year community activity programme.

Following a successful tender process through the North Wales Construction Framework, Wynne Construction has now been appointed as the project’s Design and Build Contractor.

A pre-planning consultation process for the planning consent will run from 21 May to 18 June. If you’re interested in seeing these documents, they are available at:

• North East Wales Archive (Hawarden), The Old Rectory, Rectory Lane, Hawarden CH5 3NR; open Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday (9.30am – 4.30pm); and
• North East Wales Archive (Ruthin) The Old Gaol, 46 Clwyd Street, Ruthin LL15 1HP; open Wednesday to Friday (9.30am – 4.30pm)

As part of this next stage, residents are being encouraged to attend two public consultation events. The sessions will provide an opportunity for people to learn more about the proposals, ask questions and share their views.

The two public pre-planning consultation events will take place at:

• Old Courthouse Ruthin: Thursday, 4 June (3pm – 7pm) (St Peter’s Square, Ruthin LL15 1AA)

• Mold Library: Wednesday, 10 June (12 noon – 5pm) (14 Daniel Owen Precinct, Mold, CH7 1AP)

Alongside the development of the building plans, a wide-ranging programme of activities is also being developed to introduce archives to a broader and more diverse audience across North East Wales. The activities aim to encourage more people to explore and engage with the rich cultural heritage and stories of North East Wales.

Councillor Emrys Wynne, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Welsh Language, Culture and Heritage said:

“This is an exciting opportunity to create a modern archive centre that will help preserve and celebrate the shared history of our communities for generations to come.

“The project is about far more than a building – it is about creating opportunities for more people to connect with the fascinating stories, collections and heritage of North East Wales. We would encourage residents to come along to the drop-in sessions and find out more.”

Councillor Mared Eastwood, Flintshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Education, Welsh Language, Culture and Leisure said:

“This project represents a significant investment in the cultural heritage of the region and will help ensure our important archive collections are protected, accessible and enjoyed by a much wider audience.

“It has been fantastic to see so many people already involved in helping shape the activity programme, and we look forward to continuing that engagement as the project develops.”

Andrew White, Director for Wales, The National Lottery Heritage Fund said:

“We are pleased to be supporting the continuing development phase of this exciting project and look forward to seeing it progress over the coming months. Thanks to National Lottery players, the project aims to bring communities together to help design a welcoming, accessible space that protects and shares the region’s rich heritage for future generations.”

The project is being funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, Flintshire County Council, Denbighshire County Council and Welsh Government.

For anyone wishing to learn more about the service that NEWA offers or the latest news on the Creative Archives project, please visit our website – https://www.newa.wales/