Science centre's £10m tower set to swing into action

Published on Tuesday 12 August 2003 01:00

REPAIRS to Glasgow Science Centre’s ill-fated observation tower will finally start this week, following the delivery of a key replacement part for its base.

The 400ft, 600 tonne structure will be jacked up to enable the installation of a new thrust bearing. The tower will be raised by a fraction of an inch as part of the operation.

The 10 million tower, which is Scotland’s tallest free- standing structure, has been closed since the bearing failed 18 months ago.

The new spherical bearing, some 2ft in diameter, is expected to be lowered into place next week. Several weeks of testing will then follow.

However, the Pacific Quay centre declined to say when the structure was likely to be re-opened to visitors.

The bearing, made of bronze and steel, is understood to have arrived from its German manufacturers within the last few weeks.

No costs for the repair have been given, but it is understood they approach six figures.

The tower has remained closed because of a string of faults for most of the time since it opened in June 2001. Lost income from admissions is now thought to top 1 million.

Previous problems have included the structure’s two glass lifts, which did not work properly.

The failure of the original bearing in the tower’s base cone has been linked to water penetration and corrosion, with a legal dispute over responsibility delaying repairs for months. It is understood that the dispute has yet to be settled.

A temporary bearing was substituted for the failed one, enabling the tower, which is unique in being capable of rotating completely, to turn again as part of maintenance work this summer.

The new bearing was produced by the German firm Dyn Metals, with its steel section made in the UK and the bronze part made in Dusseldorf.

A spokeswoman for the science centre said: "When the tower is functioning to the satisfaction of all parties involved, a date for reopening will be announced."

Brian Weddell, the centre’s chief executive, said: "As is often the case with prototypes at the cutting edge of design and engineering, we have had some challenges, but all parties involved are confident that the new bearing is the answer."

Repeating a statement issued in May, he added: "We look forward to reopening Glasgow Tower as soon as possible so that everyone in Glasgow and all its visitors have the chance to enjoy this stunning and unique architectural icon."

Glasgow City Council, one of the centre’s funders, said it was anxious the tower was re-opened as soon as possible.

Hanzala Malik, its development and regeneration services committee convener, said: "We are very keen for this to happen very quickly as the situation is affecting the centre’s income and strategy to become viable.

"We want to see it being successful in both tourism and income terms so it can start generating money."

A spokesman for Scottish Enterprise Glasgow, one of the complex’s major funders, said: "We are delighted to hear that the bearing has now arrived. We look forward to the tower re-opening in due course."

The centre welcomed its millionth visitor last week, with 200,000 so far this year.