The ground-breaking Centre is a joint venture between Mersey Ferries, with its parent company Merseytravel, and the Astrophysics Research Institute (ARI) at Liverpool John Mores University (JMU), with substantial backing from the European Regional Development Fund and Wirral Waterfront. Situated by the Mersey Ferries passenger terminal in Seacombe, Wallasey the ISAC will create a major new space-themed educational and fun attraction for all the family.

The celestial sphere centrepiece

The Centre will incorporate special visual effects, interactive tools, virtual reality 3D experiences and theatrical presentations. "The space centre will be a great family day out with lots of fun for all," said Mark Dowd, Chair of Merseytravel.

A 'time machine' will transport people through the history of the universe and there will also be a series of special events held throughout the year where 'star-gazers' from across the world can meet up and discuss the latest developments in space and astronomy. The Centre is predicted to become one of the finest tourist attractions in Europe.

Entry to wormhole zone

Professor Michael Brown, Vice Chancellor of Liverpool John Mores University, said: "This is great news for Merseyside. The International Space and Astronomy Centre will form another economic pillar for the region, creating jobs, boosting tourism and aiding the regeneration process."

Merseytravel Chief Executive and Director General Neil Scales said: "Mersey Ferries are already the number one paid-for tourist attraction in the region with visitor figures increasing each year. The International Space and Astronomy Centre will be a tremendous boost bringing even more money into the local economy.

"It will be housed in one of the finest art deco buildings in the region, part of the Seacombe Terminal. We had considered a number of uses for this building and we're pleased it is now going to be the home of a truly imaginative and educational project.

Exterior of Space Centre

"The Terminal is an ideal location for the Centre which will attract international attention as well as providing a great family day out for the people of Merseyside."

"This is fantastic news," said Professor Mike Bode, Head of JMU's Astrophysics Research Institute (ARI). "Our expertise will provide the public the very latest information surrounding new discoveries and developments in the field of astronomy and space science."

ARI's National Schools' Observatory will also be based in the Centre, providing schoolchildren with the opportunity to learn about science using technology previously reserved for professional astronomers. Images from the JMU/Liverpool telescope, currently being assembled on La Palma in the Canaries, will act as a central resource for young astronomers and the general public.

Entrance hall

ARI's Mike Simcoe, Project Manager (National Schools' Observatory) said that some of the exhibits and information would be directly linked to the National Curriculum. "We'll be taking people on a journey of discovery," he said. "From Mars to beyond the Milky Way, we aim to fire the enthusiasm of young people by providing a stimulating learning environment outside of the classroom."

Building work is due to start in the near future with the Centre opening to the public towards the end of 2004. 2/3