Xplore! Science Discovery Centre – Igniting Curiosity in Wrexham

Located in the heart of Wrexham city centre, Xplore! Science Discovery Centre is a vibrant hub for STEM engagement, uniquely positioned on the border between Wales and England. With a mission to spark curiosity and break down barriers to science learning, Xplore! offers a dynamic blend of non-formal education experiences that complement the formal curriculum—focusing not just on subject knowledge, but on inspiring a lifelong interest in science.

Engaging Communities Through STEM

Xplore! primarily serves families with children aged 4–12 and primary schools, offering hands-on exhibits, interactive workshops, live science shows, and welcoming café and shop facilities. Its visitor-led approach ensures that learning is fun, inclusive, and accessible. Beyond the centre’s walls, Xplore! delivers outreach programmes to schools across Wrexham and neighbouring counties, enriching the curriculum and providing alternative learning experiences that captivate and educate.

The centre is also a key player in community engagement, regularly collaborating with local partners to host events and promote sustainability. With a current daily capacity of 300 visitors, exciting plans for first-floor renovations promise to expand this reach even further.

How the funding was used

Through Wrexham CBC UKSPF funding, Xplore! received vital support to:

• Enhance STEM engagement for children and families through new exhibits and interactive learning experiences.
• Expand outreach and in-reach education services to schools in Wrexham and neighbouring counties.
• Safeguard and support local jobs within the centre.
• Improve the perception of Wrexham’s city centre as a vibrant destination for learning and tourism.
• Promote sustainability and reduce carbon emissions through operational improvements.
• Increase accessibility to STEM learning for underrepresented groups and communities.

Overall the funding has played a pivotal role in supporting Xplore! to improve and expand its offer, advance its ambitions toward becoming net zero, and contribute to local economic growth and community development. By aligning with the UKSPF’s core themes—Communities & Place, Supporting Local Business, and People & Skills—the project has helped increase footfall in Wrexham city centre and enabled over 5,000 local residents to access free events and to support Xplore! to lay a strong foundation for sustainable, long-term growth- economically, socially and environmentally.  

 Click on the link below to visit the Xplore! webiste to learn and see more