VISITORS will have their first chance to experience Aberdeen Science Centre’s transformational new look from tomorrow, when it reopens to the public after a £6million refurbishment.
The centre, at the Tramsheds on Constitution Street, has been completely modernised over the past two years as part of a major redevelopment project to create an aspirational science centre which reflects the STEM priorities for both industry and education.
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More than 60 new interactive exhibits over two floors await visitors, including The OPITO Theatre of Energy – the UK’s first immersive experience of its kind – and RoboThespian, a chatty humanoid robot sponsored by the centre’s Digital Futures Partner, Equinor.
The exhibits are aimed at all ages and are themed into six new zones: Energy; Space; Life Sciences; Make It, Test It; and a special area for the under-6s, as well as the Shell Learning Zone, where science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) are brought to life.
The hands-on experiments have been designed and manufactured by world-leading German expert Huttinger Interactive Exhibitions, supported by Luxous Ltd and AV One Solutions Ltd.
The construction work, by Banchory-based Bancon Construction and designed by architect Halliday Fraser Munro, includes an extension and creation of a new mezzanine floor, almost doubling the exhibition space.
Bryan Snelling, chief executive at Aberdeen Science Centre, said the official reopening was a milestone day.
“We can’t wait to open our doors to welcome the public back to our home at the Tramsheds and to show off the complete transformation of Aberdeen Science Centre,” he said. “We have tried and tested all the spaces and exhibits to ensure everything is ready and follows the current COVID-19 guidelines.
“Thanks to our funders, sponsors and other partners, we now have a modern and inspiring science centre that is fit for the 21st-century and beyond, which relfects the huge advancements in technology and looks ahead to the future.
“We have been able to bring in the very best specialists in their respective fields to create a completely new and exciting experience for visitors, with engaging, thought-provoking exhibits we hope children and adults from Aberdeen and much further afield will enjoy visiting time and time again,” he said. “We hope to become only the second five-star visitor attraction in the city.
“Aberdeen now has a science centre the whole city can be rightly proud of, which reflects the scientific, technological and educational achievements we are recognised for across the world.”
Aberdeen Science Centre’s £4.7million redevelopment was made possible by generous support and funding from the Inspiring Science Fund – a partnership between the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Wellcome – with additional funding provided by Opportunity North East (ONE) and Aberdeen City Council.
The project has secured a further £1.5million from funders and sponsors including OPITO, Shell, Equinor, bp, The Robertson Trust, TAQA and CNOOC International to deliver quality exhibits and programmes to enhance the overall visitor experience at the venue, as well through outreach work.
