On 21 May 2010, the Northwest Regional Development Agency, NWDA, and the Northwest European Regional Development Fund, ERDF, confirmed funding of GBP3.1 million to kick start the development of a new Science Discovery Centre at the famous Jodrell Bank Observatory in Manchester. The announcement coincided with
On 21 May 2010, the Northwest Regional Development Agency, NWDA, and the Northwest European Regional Development Fund, ERDF, confirmed funding of GBP3.1 million to kick start the development of a new Science Discovery Centre at the famous Jodrell Bank Observatory in Manchester. The announcement coincided with confirmation that the exciting redevelopment project has been granted planning permission by Cheshire East Council, meaning that work could start on site as soon as June 2010. An investment of GBP2.1 million will be made by the NWDA and GBP1 million by ERDF in the Northwest. An additional GBP600,000 of funding will come from The University of Manchester; the iconic telescope is part of the University’s School of Physics and Astronomy.
The new look centre is predicted to attract thousands of extra visitors to the Observatory every year and will help to generate an additional GBP26 million for the regional economy over the next decade. The project includes a Planet Pavilion entrance building with an orientation centre and stylish glass walled café with spectacular views of the Lovell telescope, a Space Pavilion for exhibitions and events as well as an education space and landscaping of the Arboretum to create a new Galaxy Maze and a Space Garden. It aims to inspire budding young scientists and showcase cutting edge research ‘as it happens’. The Planet Pavilion is set to open by the end of the year and all work will be completed by summer 2011.
Current visitor facilities will be kept open as much as possible as the development goes ahead – with a fully booked schools programme continuing in the existing marquee, which will also host a number of events for the public and ‘Friends’ of Jodrell Bank. Astronomers will continue to carry out observations and world class science while the redevelopment work takes place.
