Funding boost for new astrophysics centre
16 Jul 2010 by Evoluted New Media
Jodrell Bank observatory has received a £3.1m funding boost for its new Science Discovery Centre, part of a regeneration project aimed at attracting thousands of extra visitors to the area.
Jodrell Bank observatory has received a £3.1m funding boost for its new Science Discovery Centre, part of a regeneration project aimed at attracting thousands of extra visitors to the area.
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Lovell telescope at the Jodrell Bank observatory Credit: Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net) |
The Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) has donated £2.1m with a further £1m donation from the Northwest Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The money will fund a Space Pavilion for exhibitions and events and landscaping of the arboretum to create a Galaxy Maze and Space Garden.
A Planet Pavilion entrance building with orientation centre and a glass-walled cafe to allow observation of the Lovell telescope –part of the University of Manchester’s school of physics and astronomy, who have donated an additional £600,000 – is also in the plans.
“This investment will help create a richer, more inspiring visitor experience which is more fitting to this beacon of science and research,” said Steven Broomhead, NWDA chief executive.
The aim of the centre is to inspire budding young scientists and showcase cutting edge research as it happens.
Cheshire East Councillor, Jamie Macrae said: “I am sure the discovery centre will boost Jodrell Bank’s place as a cornerstone of scientific endeavour and a vital establishment for research and education.”
