Aberdeen Science Centre has appointed architects Halliday Fraser Munro to take forward its £4.7 million redevelopment which will see the facility almost double in size.
The project, known as ‘A Lifetime of Science’, will see the existing Centre significantly increase its exhibition and corporate space, leading to the creation of a state of the art facility able to serve the North of Scotland.
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Architects Halliday Fraser Munro today unveiled RIBA Stage 2 concept design plans which maximise the existing building, while adding on the additional space needed to revitalise and refresh the facility. During this time the popular visitor attraction will relocate temporarily to a city centre location while the works are carried out on the current listed building.
The redevelopment, which aims to complete in early 2020, will present a new STEM environment to explore and provide a perfect platform for businesses, academia and government to work collaboratively to further support the delivery of the STEM agenda in Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire. STEM skills are already core to the region’s skills base and will be critical to the success of its key industry sectors – spanning oil and gas and life sciences to food, drink and agriculture and tourism – in the long term as digital innovation and technology drive growth as part of the regional economic renaissance agenda supported by the private and public sectors.
Chief Executive of Aberdeen Science Centre, Liz Hodge, said “We are delighted to announce that Halliday Fraser Munro have been appointed to work on this innovative project and deliver our ambitious vision for the Science Centre. They are extremely well regarded for their creative and holistic approach to design and we have no doubt this will be another impressive work from them.
“The redevelopment will allow us to create an exciting new environment for science discovery and significantly increase the reach of STEM ( Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) related education programmes, exhibits, events, clubs and activities. This in turn will encourage increased visitor numbers, establish Aberdeen as a STEM hub and inspire people of all ages to engage with science and related careers, realising long term benefits for our region, its people and the economy. “
John Halliday CEO of Halliday Fraser Munro Architects said, “Halliday Fraser Munro is delighted to be involved in this prestigious project. We are working closely with Aberdeen Science Centre to create a state of the art 21st century facility able to serve the North of Scotland. We hope the new facility will capture the imagination of young people and enthuse and excite future generations of budding young scientists”
The ‘Lifetime of Science’ project has been made possible by funding from The Inspiring Science Fund- a partnership between the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Wellcome, Opportunity North East (ONE) and Aberdeen City Council.
Work is due to start this year with a completion date of early 2020.
