Aberdeen Science Centre is set to reopen to the public next month following a major revamp, with new exhibits and facilities for all ages.
Aberdeen Science Centre is set to reopen to the public next month following a major revamp, with new exhibits and facilities for all ages.
Originally called Satrosphere, the centre opened on Justice Mill Lane in 1988 as Scotland’s first science centre. It has been based at The Tramsheds on Constitution Street since 2001 and moved to temporary premises on George Street 18 months ago to allow the £6 million redevelopment to begin. Unfortunately, this was forced to close in March due to the national lockdown.
It is now due to reopen its doors on Constitution Street on November 4th. An extension and new mezzanine level have almost doubled exhibition space, while a new café run by local company Grub as well as business meeting facilities will be available.
Aberdeen Science Centre’s chief executive Bryan Snelling said: “Visitors will enjoy a completely new experience in a venue which is still familiar, and thanks to our sponsors and funding partners we have been able to create new and engaging exhibits and themed educational zones for people of all ages to explore”.
The 60 brand-new exhibits will be divided into six new zones: Energy, Space, Life Sciences, Make It, Test It, and a separate area for children under six. All will be fully interactive and include an energy learning experience and RoboThespian, a robot designed to act like a human.
In the meantime, science fans have still been able to get their fix. A free pop-up showcasing the centre’s most iconic exhibits is currently on at Aberdeen’s Bon Accord shopping centre, while online activity programmes “Stay Home Science” and “Summer of STEM” were also available during lockdown.
The redevelopment was supported and funded by the Inspiring Science Fund- a collaboration of the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy, UK Research & Innovation and Wellcome. Extra funding was provided by Opportunity North East and Aberdeen City Council.
It also benefited from a share of £2 million of government funding for all Scottish science centres to help with the impact of Covid-19. Mr Snelling was delighted with the decision: “This will allow us to continue to deliver the STEM learning opportunities in the centre, in schools, online and in communities across Aberdeen, Aberdeenshire and the north of Scotland”, he said.
Visitors will be required to book prior to their trip. Tickets and more information are available now from the Aberdeen Science Centre website www.aberdeensciencecentre.org