Techniquest puts in application for £5.7m project
TECHNIQUEST has submitted a planning application for its £5.7m Science Capital project, which will significantly transform and expand the science discovery centre in Cardiff Bay.
Subject to planning permission, it is anticipated that work on the extension will commence next spring, with the new space being open to the public by the summer of 2020.
The organisation is seeking to extend the educational charity’s current building on Stuart Street, to create an additional 900 square metres of exhibition floor space.
The scheme, designed by architecture practice HLM, will significantly increase Techniquest’s footprint, providing an additional 60% exhibition space to house new content related to, and developed with, Welsh STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) innovators, academics and communities.
The new immersive and innovative exhibition areas and experiences will help Techniquest to diversify its audiences and increase visitor numbers by at least 40%. Its chief executive, Lesley Kirkpatrick, said: “Since securing funding, it has been full steam ahead in our Science Capital project.
“We’ve been working closely with our consultants to marry up our objectives, with the space we have available, and our ultimate goal of ensuring the charity has a sustainable and long-term future in Wales.
“We’re delighted with the final plans, which are contemporary, inclusive, flexible and eye-catching. Gaining planning consent is naturally a crucial factor in the future of this project, so we’re hopeful for a positive result.”
As well as creating a new public entrance, the plans include:
■ A designated community space overlooking Cardiff Bay.
■ A new cafe and shop.
■ A roof terrace and courtyard designed to host interactive artworks and features to complement exhibitions.
Patrick Arends, leisure and culture sector lead at HLM said: “Techniquest has been providing inspiring scientific education for over 30 years and the new extension will reflect this with a contemporary design that will showcase this much-loved facility.
“The Cardiff HLM studio has been working closely with the project team, drawing on its extensive experience, to create a vibrant space that is flexible, active and relevant.”
The scheme is being project managed by Lee Wakemans who are working alongside HLM (architects), Hydrock (project engineers) and Wardell Armstrong (planning consultant).
Paul Wong, director at Lee Wakemans said: “Techniquest is on a marvellous journey of renewal, looking to reach a much wider audience. We feel privileged to play our part in helping to translate what the client is seeking to achieve into an exciting design which will be built and ready for summer 2020.
“It’s great to have reached this milestone of submitting the planning application and we’re grateful to all team members who have helped us reach this point.”
Since opening in 1986, Techniquest has welcomed more than five million visitors.