Improving a world-class tourist attraction in Leicester

The project, which will be completed in time for the summer holidays, is being delivered by SCAPE delivery partner, Robert Woodhead Ltd.

The building, known as the Launch Pad, was designed by architects Pick Everard and the improvements will create additional much-needed space for the award-winning tourist attraction, which has continued to see year on year growth since its launch in 2001.

Launch Pad will significantly increase the cafe seating area, offering additional space for visitors to relax, as well as adding a brand-new exhibition space and installing some new artefacts from the collection. The changes will not only help them implement a flexible ticketing process for peak and off-peak periods, driving efficiency, but it will also significantly improve visitor access around the Centre.

The Woodhead team started on site last week and will be working in partnership with the National Space Centre to minimise disruption to the thousands of visitors who will be in the Centre during the development period.

Tony Robinson, Project Manager for Woodhead, said: “We’re excited to be working on this project for the National Space Centre. The additional space will make a big difference to the customer experience.

“Although working on such a unique building is a real privilege, and not our day-to-day sort of project, we do have real experience of working in busy environments and understand the need to maintain a fantastic experience for visitors. We’ll be working hard over the coming weeks and months to ensure the project is delivered effectively, as well as working with the team here to make the process of interest to visitors and the surrounding community.”

Mark Robinson, SCAPE Chief Executive, commented: “It is great to see work begin on improving the visitor experience at the National Space Centre. Through SCAPE Venture, the project will be delivered efficiently, minimising disruption to the everyday operation of the centre. In addition, to improving this important educational facility, the work will create social value by engaging the local supply chain and supporting SMEs. We look forward to seeing this project progress over the coming weeks.”