The first phase of a new £40m student accommodation complex in Wrexham was officially opened today by Lesley Griffiths, Deputy Minister for Science, Innovation and Skills.

She met the first residents of Wrexham Village following completion of 156 rooms at Wrexham FC’s Racecourse ground.

The development is the result of a partnership between the facility’s owners, Wrexham Village Ltd, Wrexham FC and Glyndwr University.

Representatives from all three partners were present as Lesley Griffiths AM unveiled a plaque to mark the opening.

She said: "It’s important for young people going to university that they have access to affordable, attractive accommodation and Wrexham Village is already proving a popular facility. It’s a significant investment and will be a real boost for Glyndwr University."

Professor Michael Scott, Vice-Chancellor of Glyndwr University, said he was proud to see the first students move in as planned.

He said: "We’re thrilled that the first phase has been completed – it looks fantastic and I’m sure it will be enjoyed by hundreds of students for many years to come.

"We have been pleased to work with local partners Wrexham Village Ltd and Wrexham FC to provide a facility which will be a tremendous asset for Wrexham and north east Wales."

One of the new residents, second year student Daniel Culloty, 18, who is studying for a degree in Primary Education, moved into Wrexham Village this week.

He said: "It’s absolutely brilliant, definitely good value for money. The lounge is so spacious, just a great place for chilling out when you have so much studying to do."

Ian Roberts, director of Wrexham Village Ltd, said: "We’re delighted to have worked in partnership to secure provision of modern, energy-efficient accommodation that fulfils the needs of Glyndwr University and its students.

"I hope that Wrexham Village will become an iconic building which everyone connected with the town can feel proud of."

The Co-operative Bank provided a £2.85 million loan for phase one of Wrexham Village development.

Paul Atkinson, finance director, Wrexham Village Ltd, said: "We listened to The Co-op banks proposals and found they were enthusiastic and keen to get on board. The Co-op offered flexibility and personal interest that we weren’t getting from other banks we approached."

Steven Peck, business manager, The Co-operative Bank Manchester Corporate Banking Centre, said: "Even in this persistently harsh economic climate we are able to continue to lend financial support to businesses, especially ambitious ones such as Wrexham Village Ltd."

Details of the Wrexham Village scheme were first unveiled in December 2008 as part of wider plans to redevelop the Racecourse ground and boost Wrexham FC’s finances.

Plans for the first phase of the residences were approved by Wrexham Council in April 2009.