Jodrell Bank seeks funding for new ‘Discovery Centre’

MANCHESTER University is seeking a ‘six figure’ sum to develop a new discovery centre for budding scientists at Jodrell Bank Observatory.

The university’s School of Physics and Astronomy is now actively seeking funding for the plans which it hopes will showcase cutting-edge research ‘as it happens’.

The project – which it is hoped will form ‘phase one’ of a wider redevelopment of the visitor facilities – has a total floor space of 1,000 square metres.

It will include a ‘planet pavilion’ entrance area which includes an orientation centre and glass-walled café with views of the Lovell telescope.

There will also be a ‘space pavilion’ incorporating a multi-purpose exhibition, events and education space.

The university also wants to landscape its arboretum to create a new ‘galaxy maze’ and a ‘space garden’.

TheBusinessDesk.com has been informed that the funding required is ‘several million rather than tens of millions’.

The planned development – which has now been formally submitted to Cheshire East Council – has strong support from Sir Bernard Lovell, founder of the Jodrell Bank Observatory, who lives nearby

Dr Teresa Anderson, director of the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, said: “This is a really important milestone for us and we’re absolutely delighted that our project is moving forward.

“It has taken considerable work to get to this point and we would like to thank the Northwest Regional Development Agency (NWDA) and a range of other major stakeholders including the local community and our visitors for their feedback and support.

“Alongside plans to redevelop our facilities, we will be taking the opportunity to revitalise our visitor programme, and we look forward to welcoming lots of new people to Jodrell Bank in the future.”

Astronomers would continue to carry out observations while the redevelopment work takes place.

Lord Keith Bradley, chair of the university steering group for the project, said: “The redeveloped facilities at Jodrell Bank will open our doors to even more people, allowing them to engage with our world leading research – and inspiring young people to become the scientists of the future.”

Sir Bernard Lovell said: “As the founder of the Jodrell Bank Observatory, I am delighted to hear that there are plans to upgrade the facilities for visitors to the site.

“The very modern design that has been developed reflects the fact that the work of Jodrell Bank is at the forefront of research into astrophysics. The new facilities will pass on the spark of inspiration to the school pupils who are the scientists of the future. I look forward to this development going ahead very soon.”

Consultation and feedback sessions on the plans have already been held for local residents and scientists working on the site.