New entrance for Space Centre revealed

Pick Everard has designed a new entrance foyer at the base of a 140ft rocket tower at the National Space Centre.

The Leicester attraction is undergoing a multi-million-pound upgrade to accommodate the 50% increase in visitors it has experienced in the last five years, and has now unveiled the first stage in its revamp.

Andrew Almond of Pick Everard said: “We’re committed to schemes that improve communities, support local economies and promote our city as an exciting tourist destination. This is the beginning of an exciting transformation taking place at the National Space Centre and we’re incredibly proud to be involved.

“The space centre has now seen four million visitors since it opened in 2001; it’s a significant project for the team and an incredibly important building for the city.

“I look forward to seeing the new extension in use.”

Chas Bishop, chief executive at the National Space Centre said: “The most important testimony to the impact of the new entrance building has come from our visitors. In that sense, it has achieved all objectives: an exciting sense of arrival, a highly efficient ticket sales facility and a new Welcome Hall display space in which to enjoy some magnificent new exhibits – including five new space suits from some of the most well-known astronauts.

“Pick Everard has designed a building that complements the iconic Rocket Tower beautifully.”

This project is being delivered by Woodhead Group and was procured through Scape Venture.