The first stage of a major revamp for the National Space Centre has been officially unveiled.

The improvements are being delivered to accommodate the increase in visitors.

Pick Everard has designed a space age new entrance foyer at the base of a 140ft rocket tower at the centre.

Andrew Almond, partner at Pick Everard, said: "We're committed to schemes that improve communities, support local economies and promote our city as an exciting tourist destination. This is the beginning of an exciting transformation taking place at the National Space Centre and we're incredibly proud to be involved.

"The space centre has now seen four million visitors since it opened in 2001; it's a significant project for the team and an incredibly important building for the city.

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"I look forward to seeing the new extension in use."

Chas Bishop, chief executive at the National Space Centre, commented: "The most important testimony to the impact of the new entrance building has come from our visitors. In that sense, it has achieved all objectives: an exciting sense of arrival, a highly efficient ticket sales facility and a new Welcome Hall display space in which to enjoy some magnificent new exhibits - including five new space suits from some of the most well-known astronauts.

"Pick Everard has designed a building that complements the iconic Rocket Tower beautifully."

Mike Pole, associate at Pick Everard, added: "The new entrance foyer has created a legible approach to the centre, while maintaining the dramatic aesthetic of this iconic Millennium funded project.

"Masterplanning was completed by Pick Everard to validate the location of the entrance in the context of other extension opportunities at the centre, meaning that the Space Centre can maximise the value of future projects."

This project is being delivered by Woodhead Group and was procured through Scape Venture.

(CM/MH)