Planetarium stays in region with Yorkshire Forward cash

THE region's only planetarium, based at Harewood House, has had its future secured until 2011 thanks to £1.2m funding from Yorkshire Forward.

The Yorkshire Planetarium has been situated at Harewood House since July 2007 and comprises three geodesic domes – the StarChamber allowing visitors to explore the night sky with an introduction to its constellations and planets; the Hubble Space Dome bringing images directly from the Hubble telescope and The Rocket, an eight metre climbing frame for all ages.

Regional development agency Yorkshire Forward's £1.2m investment over three years will ensure the planetarium stays in the region rather than being sold and moved outside Yorkshire.

Ruth Adams, head of skills for Yorkshire Forward said: “As the only planetarium in our region, we are pleased to be able to secure its future here until 2011.

“A fantastic educational experience for all ages, we will be coordinating links in both the delivery of STEM learning and tourism initiatives in the region with the help of Bradford College.

“The planetarium is a great attraction for the region and we believe it will go from strength to strength over the next three years.”

The planetarium will be managed by Bradford College and work at the attraction linked to Science Technology Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) learning and tourism initiatives.

Richard Everess, director of The Yorkshire Planetarium will continue to manage the attraction, which will have a new exhibition for 2008 called 'Renew'.

Renew is a retail exhibit to educate individuals on how they can contribute to a greener future by the choices they make as consumers.