W5 science exhibit set for multi-million pound upgrade

By David Hunter

Belfast's W5 science and discovery centre is to undergo a £4.5m refurbishment. 

The Odyssey Trust and Government funding will be used to upgrade attractions over the next 24-30 months. 

Owners say it's in line with a Government Strategy to encourage more young people to consider Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths careers.

£3 million of funding has been awarded through the inspiring science fund,  a partnership between the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy and Wellcome.

A further £1.5 million has been invested by The Odyssey Trust, charitable organisation responsible for the management and development of the Odyssey site including The SSE Arena Belfast, W5 and the Stena Line Belfast Giants Ice Hockey Team.

Eric Porter, Chairman of the Odyssey Trust said: “Our contribution to the overall funding package is part of The Trust’s wider objective to transform the Odyssey into a hub for families in Northern Ireland. 

"Public engagement is at the heart of the transformation and we want to invest in the complex to help improve our facilities and provide families with a number of high quality experiences under one roof.”

 "The medium to long term aims of the investment are to establish a world-class innovative science centre that will create an inspiring visitor experience for new audiences and increase visitor numbers."
 
The redevelopment of the attraction is set to take between 24-30 months to complete.