Construction Milestone for First Light Pavilion
Posted 27 Jul, 2021
We’re thrilled to announce that our beautiful First Light Pavilion was awarded for Innovation and Project of the Year at the North West Regional Construction Awards this week.
The recent completion of the construction phase marked a major milestone in our National Lottery Heritage Fund and DCMS supported project that will transform Jodrell Bank into a world-class visitor attraction and national heritage destination.
The grass-covered, dome-shaped building, complete with stunning cutaways including a curved entranceway that reflects the arc of the sun, was designed by HASSELL and built by Kier. The work of constructing of such a uniquely designed building presented Kier with a number of technical challenges, not least creating the largest reinforced concrete dome in Europe.
We are delighted to have handed over the First Light Pavilion. The project’s construction phase completion highlights the expertise of the team working on it.
Peter Commins, regional director at Kier Regional Building North West
Kier have done an incredible job realising the building’s ambitious design and we can’t wait to begin the next stage of exhibition planning and installation before finally welcoming visitors into the building next year.
Teresa Anderson, Director of Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre
Work on the project continues as we prepare the building for opening in 2022. Once complete, the First Light Pavilion will house a new permanent exhibition, designed by Casson Mann, telling the inspirational story of Jodrell Bank and its pioneering scientists, along with an immersive projection space, temporary exhibitions gallery and café.
More from Jodrell Bank
How curious...
Summer Solstice 2024: Alan Garner Day Speakers
This June, Jodrell Bank hosts an inspiring day of panels, lectures and workshops in celebration of revered local writer Alan Garner. Read more about each event here and book tickets today!
Jodrell Bank welcomes HRH The Princess Royal in celebration of UNESCO World Heritage status
Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal visited us in January to mark the occasion of Jodrell Bank Observatory being awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status in 2019.
PREPARE FOR LAUNCH: Adventure awaits at Jodrell Bank this February Half Term!
As February half term approaches, prepare to embark on an extraordinary journey to Jodrell Bank, where science, discovery, and family fun collide in an out-of-this-world experience. This year, we are thrilled to introduce a captivating addition to our lineup – the brand new science show, "Curious Kids."
Visions of the Night Sky: New Exhibition at Jodrell Bank
From distant galaxies and nebulae to our very own corner of Cheshire, this exhibition will take you on a journey through space in stunning detail - all included in the price of entry!
Launching an out of this world summer at Jodrell
From show-stopping live music to fascinating talks and workshops, Jodrell Bank kicked off the summer with a sizzling Solstice weekend!
How does the Lovell Telescope work?
The Lovell Telescope collects radio waves - a kind of light which is invisible to us. But how does it all work?
Women Shaping Science
This month, we marked International Women’s Day by celebrating the careers, inspirations, and contributions of just some of the incredible women working across Jodrell Bank and the SKA Observatories.
Celebrating British Science Week
The 7-16 March marks British Science Week, and to celebrate the occasion, we were delighted to welcome White Rose Education to Jodrell Bank!
A different kind of radio wave: Jodrell Bank hosts Doves album party
Jodrell Bank is known for its cutting-edge science, but it’s also a ‘spiritual home’ for musicians, too! We were thrilled to host Doves and their fans for an exclusive Dome Show listening party for their new album, Constellations for the Lonely.
Director recognised as ‘Game changer’, with land-art installation in celebration of National Lottery’s 30th birthday.
The achievements of The University of Manchester and Jodrell Bank’s Director, Teresa Anderson has been celebrated through a giant piece of natural art in the grounds of Whitby Abbey.