Yorkshire planetarium brought down to earth by the recession

A PLANETARIUM supported with 1.2m from taxpayers is to be turned into a children’s zone after being hit by the economic downturn.

However, last night it was stressed by the operators that while the project has stalled it will carry on taking its work into schools and communities and still hopes to find a new site to re-open the planetarium in the long term.

The Yorkshire Planetarium, comprising three geodesic domes, opened amid much fanfare billed as the region’s only planetarium, at Harewood House, near Leeds, in 2007.

The following year regional development agency Yorkshire Forward agreed to invest 1.2m to ensure it stayed in Yorkshire until 2011.

But yesterday it was revealed the planetarium, which offers visitors a chance to explore the night sky with an introduction to its constellations and planets, has been refitted and will be an interactive science and education zone for children.

The indoor space will give visitors from the ages of two and above a chance to see, touch and feel a number of displays with themes including science, technology, nature, biology and the arts.

The current operators, Space Connections, will still put on planetarium displays at the venue and will also take their work into the schools, colleges and different communities.

Last night Matthew Elliott, chief executive of the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “It’s outrageous that Yorkshire Forward has thrown good money after bad on this project. This budget was meant to help businesses and create jobs, not fund failed and ill-conceived ventures.”

But Alam Zeb, marketing manager with Space Connections, said yesterday the planetarium would “continue once we have come out of the current economic situation”.

He said it was not financially viable to move the domes at present so it was felt that it was better to use the space as a children’s area in a move which it is hoped will ensure its future.

Mr Zeb said it was also a long-term aim to find a location that was easily-accessible for people from a number of backgrounds.

He said Space Connections was a community interest company, whose aim was to try and encourage youngsters into science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Ruth Adams, assistant director of Yorkshire Forward, said last night: “Yorkshire Forward took on the running of Yorkshire’s one and only planetarium in March 2008 to ensure that it remained in the region to provide a focus for Yorkshire and Humber’s young scientists.

“The 1.2m investment was always intended to be over three years, and now that period has expired we are looking at new ways and means of broadening the appeal of the Planetarium; this includes taking it on tour to schools and events in the region so that a greater number of people have access to it.

“We are in the process of finding a new permanent location for the Yorkshire Planetarium and have shortlisted three potential sites so that it can continue to inspire the region’s youngsters to reach for the stars.”

Yorkshire Forward said between the beginning of February and the end of October 2009, 28,360 people visited the planetarium at Harewood.

Richard Mansell, chief executive of Harewood House Trust, said: “For 2010 we are retaining and building upon our partnership with Space Connections but adding a new dimension. So in addition to occasional star shows and other associated activities, from Easter we will offer an interactive, inspiring and fun indoor science education zone for children.”