|
|
At-Bristol Announces New Focus to its Operation
At-Bristol today announced a proposed new focus for the science centre
designed to strengthen its position as a leading educational destination
and give it long-term financial sustainability.
The science centre will now concentrate primarily on providing interactive
exhibitions and programmes in Explore and the Planetarium, which are very
popular with the public and schools. It will also continue to provide high
quality science-based exhibition and education services to schools and
colleges, as well as its programme of continuing professional development
for science teachers through the Science Learning Centre.
Under these proposals, Wildwalk and the IMAX Theatre will cease to operate
from April 2007. Both attractions are less popular with the public and
expensive to operate.
The proposed changes will mean that the charity will need to restructure
and reduce staffing levels by approximately 45 positions, and it is now
entering into a period of consultation with all potentially affected
members of staff.
On the change, Dr Goéry Delacôte, Chief Executive Officer, At-Bristol
said:
“Many factors have been taken into account in making this proposal.
“At-Bristol is now in its seventh year of successful operation and since
opening in 2000 the charity has been extremely successful in securing
short-term funding and grants. Both have enabled the science centre to
continue at its current level of operation, however most of these
opportunities have now come to an end or are significantly reduced in
size.”
In addition, without the likelihood of long-term government funding
becoming available for science centres in England, it is important that we
move to make At-Bristol financially sustainable.”
“These changes will be difficult for our staff and I am committed to
giving them my utmost support during this transitional period.”
Chairman, Peter McIlwraith commented:
“I have consistently referred to At-Bristol’s need for some form of long
term financial support to sustain its current level of activity. With no
realistic prospect of securing this, changes must now be made to secure
At-Bristol’s long-term future. The Board fully supports the proposed
changes. I am optimistic about the future.”
Ian Knight, West of England’s Head of Operations for the South West RDA,
said:
"We have great sympathy for the staff at At-Bristol who are facing an
uncertain future but we do understand the management's need to focus on
establishing the long-term viability of the popular Explore Science
Centre.
"We are working with Bristol City Council and other partners to try and
find new uses for the Wildwalk and IMAX building that will complement the
cultural facilities at Bristol's Harbourside and also help provide a
sustainable future for Explore."
Councillor Barbara Janke, Leader of Bristol City Council, said:
“We welcome the clear and decisive action that the board of At-Bristol are
taking to secure the long term future of the complex and retain its most
popular attractions and facilities for the people of Bristol, the south
west and the rest of the UK to enjoy.
“It is regrettable that national government has not seen fit to make
funding available to support such science centres across the UK and it is
an indication of At-Bristol's popularity and success to date that it is
able to consider a way forward in these difficult circumstances whilst
other similar schemes elsewhere in the country have faced certain closure.
We have invested significant sums in the centre over the years and are
committed to continuing to provide our current level of annual support to
assist At-Bristol in delivering a sustainable business plan.”
For more information please contact Mavis Choong, At-Bristol Press Office
0117 915 7152 / 0796 733 4152 /
mavis.choong@at-bristol.org.uk
Notes to Editors:
-
At-Bristol has received over 3 000 000 visits to date.
Approximately 25% of our visits are students on organised visits (c51% of
all schools in the South West have visited – from nearly 100% in Bristol
to 7% in Cornwall).
At-Bristol’s award-winning website attracts over 1 500 000 million
visitors per annum.
A registered charity, At-Bristol has won thirteen awards since opening in
2000 including the Good Britain Guide 2001’s ‘Family Attraction of the
Year’ and ‘Large Attraction of the Year’ in the England in Excellence
Awards South West.
-
The national network of Science Learning Centres was set
up to provide the highest quality Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
programmes for everyone involved in science education, at all levels.
The Science Learning Centre for the South West is located and managed by
At-Bristol together with the Universities of Bristol and Plymouth.
At-Bristol is the only science centre in the UK to be at the heart of this
nationwide Government initiative, delivering CPD to science teachers and
staff across the region.
-
Refer to
www.astc.org/resource/case/index.htm#economic for details on the
latest international impact study of science centres to their local
economy. The study was commissioned by the Association-Science Technology
Centre.
|
