New home for Cambridge Science Centre ‘ready to ignite young minds’
A celebratory VIP launch has taken place at Cambridge Science Centre’s new home at the Trinity Centre on Cambridge Science Park.
The 6,000 sq ft facility will officially open its doors on the first day of the summer holidays – 23 July – for young children and their families to explore a world of discovery through open-ended, hands-on exhibits.
Exhibits on display and in use at the new site included Assemble an Arch, AR Sandbox, Fake Feeling, The Workshop Challenge, A Whole New Ball Game, Explore the Tree of Life, Drive-bot Challenge, Microscopes, and Wind Tunnel Tests.
The welcome to guests was given by award-winning science journalist, producer and BBC presenter Greg Foot, a natural sciences graduate from the University of Cambridge.
He said: “The hands-on demos you see around you now are what inspired me about science – even if I didn’t know it was called science.
“This is a place to learn about science, and get inspired about science yes, but also to build confidence and to inspire confidence. The Science Centre has grown and grown and has now been successfully repotted.”
Cambridge Science Centre, initially located on Jesus Lane, was opened by then Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cambridge, Sir Leszek Borysiewicz, in 2013. It was founded by Dr Chris Lennard and Dr Katia Smith-Litiere, and backed by technology entrepreneurs, including outgoing chairman David Cleevely – this was his swansong – Hermann Hauser and Jonathan Milner. The centre moved to Clifton Road Industrial Estate in 2018.
Dr Cleevely said in his address to the VIP audience of 130, which included Sir Greg and Lady Winter: “It’s just absolutely spectacular to stand here. Congratulations to everyone who has stuck with us.”
He added: “We are thrilled to unveil this incredible space dedicated to igniting young minds with the wonders of science. This centre is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our team, and we are deeply grateful to our generous funders for this project, arm, LifeArc, Brockton Everlast and Trinity College, plus the incredible support of our ongoing executive council members, for making this dream a reality.”
Dr Lennard, founding CEO, said that the centre is a fulfilment of Cambridge’s ethos that “it’s not just research, it’s outreach” with Cambridge Science Festival another example.
He concluded: “Cambridge Science Centre is not just this place here, it’s about exceptional science all year round.”
Harriet Fear, the incoming chair of trustees, thanked the outgoing chair, founding members, current trustees and the team for their exceptional service.
“As we look to the future, it’s hugely important for me to acknowledge the incredible contributions of our outgoing chair, David Cleevely, and Dr Chris Lennard, founding CEO of this wonderful organisation,” she said. “Their vision and dedication have been instrumental in reaching this milestone. The board of trustees, team and I are very excited to build on this legacy and continue to provide inspiring educational experiences for our community.”
The centre’s CEO, John Bull, said: “Such a team, such a community, the spirit here is truly special. I’m thrilled, and looking forward to being open – it’s about what this genuinely means to young people.
“At the core of our mission is the belief that introducing STEM concepts to children at a young age can ignite a lifelong passion for learning and discovery. With its engaging environment, this new centre provides families with a platform to explore and learn together, nurturing the next generation of innovators and problem-solvers.”
The significance placed on engagement with young people about STEM subjects was emphasised by head of development Rebecca Porter, who said: “The first children came in last week from King’s Hedges Primary School and they all thoroughly enjoyed it. Being close to King’s Hedges, we know that’s the most deprived ward in the city and we’re hoping we’ll bridge the gap between Cambridge Science Park and local communities so they can find out about the innovation taking place on their doorstep.
“The Science Centre is a hub with spokes across the wider ecosystem. We know that young people in King’s Hedges, Abbey and Arbury often don’t recognise that these career paths are for them. We’ve asked them and no one has said ‘we want to work on Cambridge Science Park’ and that’s huge potential that’s untapped , so we can start dismantling these barriers.”
The first 2,500 tickets – sold at a discounted price of £10 for adults and £5 for five to 17-year-olds – for entry to the new Cambridge Science Centre will include free membership for the entire year.
With the team of 13 geared up for the opening, the price of entry has yet to be determined.
“After the initial 2,500 tickets have been sold the price will go up by at least 30 to 50 per cent,” says Rebecca, “so that would be at least £13 for an adult, and £6.50 for a child.”
The centre will be open to schools during term time and to the public on weekends and during school holidays. Specialised groups such as STEMtots and sessions for home-educated children will be introduced from September onwards, offering a unique and enriching educational experience.
Cambridge fitout specialists COEL, who contributed to the development of the new Centre, said: “COEL was delighted to work with Cambridge Science Centre in providing the fit out for their new premises; we were very happy to also give them a complimentary design concept.
“The Centre is a light, bright and fun environment, packed with fascinating scientific curiosities and exhibitions that will entice both young and old alike. After our fit-out work was complete, we hosted a show round of Cambridge Science Park with Jane Hutchins, director of the Park, providing an engaging narrative of the park’s past, present and future.
“The tour was generously sponsored by Cambridge Science Park with proceeds raised from ticket sales being donated to Cambridge Science Centre.’
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