Jodrell Bank’s ‘transformational’ new visitor’s centre is all set to open in the summer, it’s been confirmed. It's part of the £21.5 million redevelopment of the site of the iconic Lovell radio telescope.
The ‘First Light Pavilion' is a grass-covered dome, which has been designed to mirror both the shape and the massive scale of the Lovell, and is all set to open on June 4. In a further nod to the stars above, the entrance to the centre is also placed on the meridian line, echoing ancient sites like Stonehenge and Newgrange in Ireland, with a window carved into the cement that will see the building act like a huge sundial.
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Inside, visitors will be able to discover the history behind the Jodrell Bank story, established in 1945 by the physicist and astronomer Bernard Lovell, as well as using hands-on control panels and taking in planetarium shows in a purpose-built auditorium, which features a vast curved screen and nine projectors.
There will also be a host of permanent exhibitions, boasting archive materials including diaries, letters, audio and video exhibits and photographs.
Professor Teresa Anderson, director of the Jodrell Bank centre for engagement, said: "After years of planning, we are thrilled to finally be able to announce the opening of First Light.
"This moment will mark a whole new chapter for Jodrell Bank and we're looking forward to welcoming our first visitors through the doors and into this beautiful new space.
That story of the emergence of radio astronomy is written across the landscape of Jodrell Bank and it is the only remaining place in the world that retains traces of the development of this branch of science from its earliest days to the present.
"Our new guided tours will take visitors outside of the building and behind the scenes to the ‘South Side’ of the site, where they can discover for themselves those physical reminders of Jodrell Bank’s quest for understanding."
Inside, there will also be the large, 130-seat First Light cafe, which will overlook the Jodrell Bank Arboretum.
Professor Tim O'Brien, associate director at the Jodrell Bank Centre for Astrophysics, added: "That transformational development in this quiet corner of Cheshire completely opened up humanity's understanding of the universe and allowed us to discover previously undreamt of things such as pulsars, quasars, and even the fading glow of the Big Bang."
Speaking about the development, Diana Hampson, director of estates and facilities at The University of Manchester, which owns Jodrell Bank, said: “This is a truly visionary build and a wealth of brilliant people have come together to bring it to life.
"The ambitious design has been expertly realised by the construction team at Kier and we couldn’t be more proud. We can’t wait to see it open to the public.”
It’s not the only big event for Jodrell Bank this summer.
The Bluedot festival will make its return too, with headline sets from Bjork and the Halle Orchestra, alongside the likes of Groove Armada, Mogwai, Metronomy, Spritualized and Squarepusher.
It happens from July 21 to 24, with tickets on sale here.
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