New drone footage of Manchester’s Science and Industry Museum has been released showing the impressive progress of its current multi-million-pound restoration project. The footage, which gives an aerial view of the work being done to the site - particularly The Power Hall roof - was captured by Boca Films and has been used to create a short film.
The footage also shows some of the repairs being made to other parts of the museum, as well as future plans for the site. The seven-acre restoration programme is underway to carry out “critical restoration” work and reveal new spaces for visitors of the museum to enjoy.
The plan is to transform its Victorian buildings and create improved gallery experiences, which include the iconic Power Hall, where the term ‘Northern Powerhouse’ was coined, and the 1830 Station and Warehouse – some of the world’s earliest railway buildings in the world’s first industrial city. The works are in addition to the massive environmental improvements being made across the site and the opening-up of new spaces for visitors, such Special Exhibitions Gallery, which hosts science exhibitions and experiences, including the current exhibition, Amazônia .
Director of The Science and Industry Museum, Sally MacDonald, said: “This is a very exciting time. We have the honour of occupying some truly exceptional buildings, which are in urgent need of restoration.
“We are working with specialists and taking great care to transform them, addressing historic issues to conserve important details, but also looking to the future to ensure our buildings are sustainable and provide the best experiences for visitors. We’re carrying out a large programme of decarbonisation across the site, adopting new technologies to ensure that our buildings are standing strong and using less carbon.
“The technology we use will become part of our ongoing story as we welcome the scientists and innovators of the future through our doors to learn more about how ideas shape our world. What’s more, we are in a district of Manchester where we have some incredible neighbours.
“It’s our ambition that visitors can walk easily in between all these outstanding attractions, enhancing the sense of place and visitor experience. We’re sorry if the work causes disruption, but we are sure that the final results will be well worth it, as more visitors from our local communities and beyond can enjoy the museum and continue to be inspired by the wonder of science and industry.”
The 1830 Warehouse has also been repointed and internal timber joists have been repaired and restored. The 1830 Station has also had roofing repairs to make it watertight.
Future plans for the 1830 Station include the development of a revolutionary railroad and locomotive experience to tell the railway story, as well as much improved learning spaces. Research is also being undertaken on further new galleries focusing on Manchester as a “City of Ideas” and the broader story around “Cottonopolis”.
Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council adds: “We welcome the significant investments being made to restore and improve the Science and Industry Museum. What can be achieved here will bring lifelong benefit to everyone who lives in and visits the city.
“It can transform the site into a place that not just explores ideas that change the world but a museum that can itself change people’s worlds through wonder and play, and inspire curiosity, confidence, and skills.”
This October will also see the return of Manchester Science Festival - one the most popular festivals of its kind in the UK. Making its return for the first time since 2018, the festival which is produced by the Science and Industry Museum, is an eight-day-long series of events, exhibitions and experiences, all aimed at answering the question ‘What does the future hold for humanity?’.
The Science and Industry Museum remains open to visitors and you can watch the full film here.
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