Jodrell Bank to open new Discovery Centre

31 Mar 2011

The world-famous Jodrell Bank Observatory will usher in a new era next week with the opening of its spectacular live science Discovery Centre.

Part of The University of Manchester, the Observatory has for many years been a much-loved visitor attraction, as well as a significant space research centre.

Recently shortlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Jodrell Bank will now be able to welcome thousands more visitors every year.

The £3m project includes a new entrance building – the Planet Pavilion – and a new Space Pavilion for exhibitions and events.

It also includes a stylish glass-walled café with spectacular views of the iconic Lovell telescope, an education space and landscaping of the Gardens.

Its main aim is to inspire young scientists and connect them to cutting-edge research as it happens.

The project has been made possible by an investment of £1.9m by the NWDA and £1m by ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) in the Northwest. An additional £600,000 of funding will come from The University of Manchester.

Dr Teresa Anderson, the Centre’s Director, said: “We’re delighted that our new Centre is opening bang on schedule and that it will be such an great experience for visitors. We’re really looking forward to welcoming lots of new people to Jodrell Bank in the next few months and years.

Dr Tim O’Brien, Reader in Astrophysics at the University of Manchester, said : ‘This is a great day for Jodrell Bank. The new Centre showcases the live science that happens here with new exhibitions focused on some of the big questions we’re trying to answer about the Universe.’

The Centre will officially open to the public on Monday 11th April.

A new website will be launched on Monday 4th April, please visit www.jodrellbank.net