Extra charge for entry to science centre theatre

Published on Thursday 8 January 2004 00:00

AN EXTRA admission charge has been introduced for Glasgow Science Centre’s planetarium in a further sign of the funding squeeze on the Clydeside attraction.

Visitors to the ScottishPower Space Theatre will have to pay an additional 2 from this week on top of the complex’s 6.95 adult entry fee.

The move came as engineering chiefs criticised the Pacific Quay centre for failing to re-open its jinxed 400ft observation tower almost two years after it was closed following the failure of the main thrust bearing.

The 1.5 million space theatre, which was hailed as the most modern planetarium in Europe when it opened two years ago, stages hourly laser and star shows for up to 120 people.

Initially, a spokesman for the science centre claimed the charge was to bring it "into line with other major visitor attractions with integrated planetaria, such as the London Planetarium and @Bristol".

However, later yesterday, she admitted the charge was to increase revenue. She said: "As a charity, we have a responsibility to look for ways of raising income, to bring money back into the centre to run shows and keep exhibits fresh."

The spokeswoman also conceded that the centre, which attracted nearly 330,000 visitors last year, might have to charge extra admission for its new science show theatre. This has remained closed since the complex opened in 2001 because its seating is too steep.

The 75 million complex has suffered significant revenue losses from the continued closure of its 10 million tower, which is Scotland’s tallest freestanding structure.

Despite winning awards and critical acclaim, the attraction was forced to make 15 staff redundant last year because of debts and disappointing visitor numbers, which followed the resignation of Paul Smith as chief executive.

Peter Hughes, the chief executive of Scottish Engineering, a body representing 400 firms in the industry, yesterday criticised the lack of progress with the tower repair.

He described the structure as "a disaster from day one" and "a terrible advertisement for Scotland".

However, centre officials hit back at the criticism. They said the bulk of the repairs had been completed but again refused to say when the work would be finished.

A spokeswoman said: "They [Scottish Engineering] have not got the detailed knowledge needed to make that broad-brush statement.

"A great amount has been achieved and we are now in the resting process.

"However, the centre has to be completely satisfied that the contractor has fulfilled all its obligations before we can re-open the tower."

A specially-made replacement thrust bearing was installed last August, enabling the tower - the only one in the world to rotate completely - to again turn in the wind.

The 600-tonne structure had to be raised by a fraction of an inch to remove the failed 2ft diameter spherical bearing, whose failure was linked to corrosion from water penetration.