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06/08/2001
Planetarium seeks £1 million funding to secure future operations
Armagh Planetarium’s refurbishment is likely to cost up to £1 million and additional funds are being sought from the Government to bring the 33-year-old building up to scratch.
The main building in the Planetarium, which was built in 1968, has been closed to the public since November awaiting repairs and structural work to meet safety regulations. While management at the Planetarium had set aside money for the repair and refurbishment of the building, contractors brought in to survey the landmark building in Armagh City found that much more substantial work was required to bring the fabric of the building up to established specifications.
Planetarium Director Tom Mason said that there was a lot more wrong with the building than had first been thought. He said that plans to refurbish the building had been halted as further funding had been sought to embark on a major refit.
Since the Planetarium closed its doors, staff have been left with an outreach programme which has toured the province’s schools.
However, although the Planetarium’s star theatre remains closed, the Planetarium was re-opened on Monday 6 August for a limited programme.
Assembly Minister for the Arts Michael McGimpsey said that he thought parts of the building may have to be demolished.
Planetarium officials are in the process of drawing up a business plan in an attempt to secure the funding necessary to carry out the work.
(SP)
The main building in the Planetarium, which was built in 1968, has been closed to the public since November awaiting repairs and structural work to meet safety regulations. While management at the Planetarium had set aside money for the repair and refurbishment of the building, contractors brought in to survey the landmark building in Armagh City found that much more substantial work was required to bring the fabric of the building up to established specifications.
Planetarium Director Tom Mason said that there was a lot more wrong with the building than had first been thought. He said that plans to refurbish the building had been halted as further funding had been sought to embark on a major refit.
Since the Planetarium closed its doors, staff have been left with an outreach programme which has toured the province’s schools.
However, although the Planetarium’s star theatre remains closed, the Planetarium was re-opened on Monday 6 August for a limited programme.
Assembly Minister for the Arts Michael McGimpsey said that he thought parts of the building may have to be demolished.
Planetarium officials are in the process of drawing up a business plan in an attempt to secure the funding necessary to carry out the work.
(SP)
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