Educational charity, Techniquest, has appointed a development consultancy to manage its ambitious £5 million expansion plans.
With sights set on radically transforming its science discovery centre in Cardiff Bay, Techniquest has engaged Lee Wakemans to oversee the project and cost management of The Science Capital development.
The Science Capital encompasses an extension of Techniquest’s current building on Stuart Street, redeveloping, redesigning and transforming it into a contemporary STEM hub.
The proposed extension will almost double Techniquest’s footprint, providing an additional 70% exhibition space, allowing it to diversify its audiences, increase visitor numbers by at least 30% and in turn generate additional income through increased admissions.
The new space will also be developed with the dual purpose of accommodating large corporate and private events, increasing income further to ensure financial sustainability.
Cardiff-based Lee Wakemans is experienced in construction projects across a wide range of sectors including leisure, education, health and commercial.
Projects include the Children’s Hospital for Wales for the Cardiff and Vale University Health Board, state-of-the-art office and manufacturing facilities for General Dynamics in Merthyr Tydfil, Phase One of the University of Wales Trinity St David development in Swansea and the Plas Dwr residential and community development in North Cardiff.
On being appointed to the project Paul Wong, Director at Lee Wakemans said: “We are proud to have been appointed as project managers on the extension and reimagining of Techniquest. This project will touch the lives of thousands of people in Cardiff and the surrounding area for years to come.
“Inspiring the next generation to actively engage with STEM subjects will lead to more young people entering STEM careers, leading to the potential discovery of future medical advancements, scientific breakthroughs, advancing engineering and scientific algorithms that will shape our future. Techniquest plays a huge role in this and it’s a project we’re excited to be involved with.”
“We intend to deliver a stunning building that will get people excited about science and technology and position Techniquest as a leading science discovery centre in the UK.”
This is the first in a series of appointments Techniquest will make over coming months as it ramps up its development plans.
Lesley Kirkpatrick, CEO of Techniquest, said: “After a competitive tender process, we chose Lee Wakemans to partner with us as it was obvious that not only could they do an excellent job, but they really understand us as a business and demonstrated ways that they could support and add value to our charity.
“Like us, they are passionate and excited about our plans and I’m looking forward to working with the team to make our vision a reality.”
The proposed transformation of Techniquest requires £5.7m, of which over £2m has already been pledged.
Lesley continued: “As we start momentum on this exciting project, we are confident that we will be able to generate the remaining funds to transform and revitalise Techniquest, boosting our relevance and appeal and impact on the Welsh economy.”