We’re still open as usual but behind the scenes our construction team, G Oakley & Sons Ltd. have been working hard, and visible progress is starting to peek out from over the protective fencing.
We couldn’t wait until the Summer when we get to show you the completed building, so we thought we’d give you a sneak preview now!
The building takes shape
The foundations and concrete slab have been laid and the steel frame is fully in place, providing the key structural elements of our new expansion. Roofing and side insulation panels are getting installed, filling in the gaps between the steel structure and fleshing out our Science Capital.
The next step will be to demolish the remaining adjoining internal walls, before making sure everything is watertight and starting to fit out the new exhibition area, reception and shop.
It’s what’s inside that counts
At the same time as building several million pounds worth of structure, our brand new exhibits are being created exactly to specification in a parallel feat of engineering by design and fabrication experts Hüttinger, in Nuremberg.
Our exhibits will be grouped into five key areas: Environment, World Issues, Space, Medical Biology and Chemistry. This will fill in the gaps in our current exhibition, providing cutting edge, relevant content for visitors of all ages. The design work is now complete and the exhibits are being fabricated as we write supporting content for the digital signage.
Some of my favourite exhibits include an underwater remote operated vehicle, hurricane simulator, ecosystem domes and a virtual firework maker. You’ll have to wait a little longer before you get to choose yours!
Our innovative x-tag system will allow you to interact with exhibits in an ongoing way; saving top scores, pictures and exhibit information to a personal microsite as well as shaping content to match your age and learning style. We’re looking forward to having this extra layer of interaction to make Techniquest a more personal experience that keeps you amazed no matter what your age.
A dynamic centre for all
Our new space allows us to be flexible and evolve to the world around us. Our World Issues section will showcase live information to celebrate science in Wales and around the globe. The theme days and temporary exhibitions that have started cropping up around Techniquest over the past six months will become much more of a regular feature; reflecting current priorities and celebrating our business and charity partners. If you enjoyed Generation Games, Dogs with Jobs and the Moon Landing 50th Anniversary, you’ve got a lot more coming!
One of the best things about our new expansion is that we will have a dedicated Community Hub for workshops, projects and research sessions. It will allow us to host some of the amazing events that are happening all the time in Butetown and Cardiff Bay and provide a resource for local people to come together and benefit from connections with local organisations and science.
The £5.5m Science Capital project is being supported by the Inspiring Science Fund, a scheme co-funded by the Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy (BEIS), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Wellcome. Techniquest has also received funding from the Moondance Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation and Welsh Government’s ‘Invest to Save’ fund.
Get involved!
If you want to stay up to date with the latest news on our Science Capital development and enjoy events and opportunities in the new building before the general public, now is the perfect time to sign up as a Friend of Techniquest.
For just £5 a month you can be part of our closest group of supporters at this pivotal time in Techniquest’s development.
Sign up here or email us for more information.