Awarded through the Inspiring Science Fund – a partnership between the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and the Wellcome Trust – it is the biggest single investment in GSC since it opened in 2001.
The money will fund GSC’s Connect project that will deliver a range of new interactions and experiences to make GSC more attractive and accessible to a wider and more diverse audience and aims to cement GSC in the fabric of Glasgow as a community hub.
Elements of Connect:
Targeted community learning and development programme – GSC will enhance its needs-led engagement programme, serving the diverse communities Glasgow is home to. This will allow the GSC team to work alongside community groups to identify needs and develop relevant STEM engagement programmes. A new dedicated Community Learning Hub will also be built in the centre to allow groups to meet and take part in activities.
Enhanced exhibition spaces – “Explore!”, a new exhibition gallery, housed in the main atrium space and ground floor of GSC will be created. This will build the anticipation and excitement of visitors from the moment they arrive at GSC.
Improved facilities – in growing a more diverse audience, GSC identified that visitor facilities required to be updated to ensure individual needs are met. A key improvement will be the introduction of a changing places toilet that will give visitors access to extra equipment and space to allow them to use the toilets safely and comfortably.
Programme of inclusive cultural science events – building on the successes of the Planetarium events programme and adult only Science Lates, GSC will create an ongoing events programme that are attractive to a broad audience.
Transformation of Pacific Quay – the creation of a new outdoor learning space filled with exciting hands on exhibits, seating and sculptures along the Clydeside. The aim is to bring the fun of GSC outdoors and build a free to access, unique and welcoming outdoor space for play, discovery and social interaction. This space will also act as a venue for cultural science events.
Dr Stephen Breslin, Glasgow Science Centre chief executive, said: “We are absolutely thrilled to have been successful in our application to the Inspiring Science Fund. Connect aims to empower the people of Glasgow to make positive changes in their lives and communities through learning and engagement with science.
“It will build upon and expand our successful community engagement programmes to better serve the diverse communities across the city and will permeate throughout all of our activities to make us more relevant to Glasgow citizens – helping to raise attainment and develop skills for all.”
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