Wrexham recently welcomed the Future Generations Commissioner for Wales, Derek Walker, for a visit that brought together culture, community, and collaboration, showcasing what long‑term thinking looks like in practice.
The visit followed the launch of a Green Paper on a Culture Act for Wales, emphasising the importance of embedding culture, identity and heritage in Welsh law, and the need to safeguard and encourage access to cultural spaces for everyone in Wales.
Opening the Wrexham Room at Tŷ Pawb
The day began at Tŷ Pawb, alongside colleagues from across the region, and pupils from Ysgol Clywedog and Ysgol Rhosnesni, for the opening of the Wrexham Room, a new civic space dedicated to exploring the past, present and future of Wrexham and the wider area.
A shared space for shaping places: the Urban Rooms Network
The Wrexham Room is part of the Urban Rooms Network and Public Map, a collaborative project between Wrexham University, Cardiff University, and the University of Cambridge, and will be a space where communities, local authorities, universities, and industry can come together to discuss and shape the places where they live, work, and play.
Theatr Clwyd: a cultural and community anchor
The visit continued at Theatr Clwyd in Mold, Flintshire, with a tour of the new building and discussion about its significance as a cultural and community asset.
Theatr Clwyd demonstrates how cultural spaces contribute to far more than arts and entertainment. They strengthen connection and belonging, support creativity and opportunity, and create places where communities can come together, all of which matter when thinking about long-term wellbeing.
Regional collaboration through the Public Service Boards
Later in the day, the visit included participation in the Flintshire and Wrexham Public Service Board (PSB) meeting, chaired by Wrexham University’s Nina Ruddle. The meeting highlighted the role of PSBs across North Wales and the importance of regional collaboration to support implementation of the Well-being of Future Generations Act.
Reflections from the Commissioner: the next 10 years
The day concluded with reflections from the Commissioner on the 10-year Future Generations Report and its recommendations, encouraging long-term thinking, action and collaboration to support the wellbeing of current and future generations.
Derek Walker’s visit offered a timely reminder that culture, identity, and place are not “extra”, they are foundational. Protecting cultural spaces, creating platforms for civic participation, and strengthening regional collaboration are all part of building a Wales that works better now, and for the generations that follow.