Chiefs under microscope at science centre

Published on Wednesday 15 May 2002 01:00

SWEEPING changes to the management of the troubled Glasgow Science Centre are expected to follow a major review ordered to solve the attraction’s estimated £1 million deficit.

The review puts in doubt the future of the centre’s remaining senior management following the departure of its chief executive, Paul Smith, on Monday.

Mr Smith, who had been involved in the 75 million project for seven years, resigned amid increasing concern about overspending at the Pacific Quay complex, which could cost up to 30 jobs.

News of the impending overhaul came as union leaders called for an urgent meeting with managers over widespread staff discontent at the centre.

A source at one of the centre’s major funding bodies said last night: "There will be fundamental changes to the running of the centre, which will start with the appointment of an interim manager in the next few days.

"Every senior member of staff will be examining their own contribution to the process of change that is going on to see whether they would fit into the new structure."

The centre’s governing board is believed to have become alarmed at the lack of day-to-day cost control while managers struggled with other problems, such as the fault-plagued Glasgow Tower.

There is understood to have been particular concern that too much attention was paid to developing and opening the complex and insufficient focus on operational spending.

Mr Smith said yesterday he was considering his future, but expressed pride over his involvement with the centre.

Speaking outside his home in Glasgow, Mr Smith said: "All I will say is that we parted company on agreed terms. I now want some new life challenges. I have always done different things in my life.

"I am very proud of the science centre. Scotland does not have many world-class institutions and the centre is one of them. It is a terrific place for Scotland. I think it will be recognised as one of these."

Meanwhile, Amicus, the union which represents the centre’s 160 staff, accused managers of ignoring complaints and proposals over working conditions. It fears between ten and 30 jobs could go because of the overspend.

Gordon Casey, the Scottish regional officer for Amicus, said he had written to the centre’s board requesting urgent discussions over the staff’s concerns.

He said: "There have been a lot of complaints from staff, who have put forward various proposals for changes to working arrangements, but these have been ignored by the management.

"They seem to have had a closed mind as far as staff involvement is concerned."

Mr Casey said he would also be seeking a full explanation for Mr Smith’s departure, which came as the union was discussing cuts in staff working hours to reduce the overspend.

He said: "We are concerned at the loss of such a key figure at a crucial time for the centre.

"It is bad for staff morale and sends out a bad signal."

David Grimmer, the centre’s spokesman, declined to comment on the union’s claims pending the review of operations. He said: "It would be inappropriate for us to say anything further during the current review process."

Mr Grimmer said the centre was experiencing no greater teething troubles than other such major projects.

The centre has attracted more than 420,000 visitors since it opened in June and is expected to complete its first year close to the 600,000 target, despite the tower remaining closed for more than half the year due to various faults.