£1.8m contract up for grabs to help transform visitor centre

ARCHITECTS are being sought for the new £19m Jodrell Bank visitor centre.

The University of Manchester is calling for bids to deliver its new ‘First Light’ visitor centre at the world-famous observatory in Macclesfield.

The project will create a new gallery telling the story of the site’s pioneering radio astronomers. It is due to be completed in 2021.

The winning team will develop an existing scheme for the new circular building.

In a contract notice, the University of Manchester said: “The First Light project is a Heritage Lottery Fund (HLF) supported initiative that aims to conserve and restore the heritage at the Jodrell Bank site and create a spectacular new visitor space to display the history of radio astronomy.

“This project will be part of a wider investment and development at Jodrell Bank.”

Between five and eight teams will be shortlisted for the £1.8m contract.

The deadline for applications is April 6.

For more information and to apply call 0161 275 2160 or email procurement@ manchester.ac.uk