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20 year anniversary for Sellafield Visitors Centre
TODAY marks the twenty year anniversary since the opening of the Sellafield Centre.
Originally opened by the HRH Duke of Edinburgh on 6 June 1988, the Centre was the first of its a kind; a purpose built visitors facility that became a famous tourist attraction, collecting numerous accolades along the way.
Throughout its twenty years the Centre has included a number of visitor experiences including the opportunity to take a coach tour of the Sellafield site. It is also home to the first immersion cinema in Europe.
Informing and educating the general public on Sellafield and the activities within the nuclear industry have also been an important feature of the Centre, as well as helping to deliver national science and environmental curriculum activities to local school children.
Twenty years on, over two million visitors later, the Centre has a new focus. Now named the “Sellafield Centre”, it is a business and information facility, promoting science, business and the community.
The Sellafield Centre is open to the public five days a week, providing up-to-date information on Sellafield, the nuclear industry and West Cumbria. It is also an ideal venue for meetings and conferences.
Commenting on this major achievement, Sellafield Centre Manager, Eva Watson-Graham, said: “The Sellafield Centre has a proud history in promoting Sellafield and the nuclear industry in West Cumbria. To have over two million people pass through the doors is a major achievement and reflects the interest in Sellafield and the nuclear industry by the public.
“Through our bold initiative back in 1988 West Cumbria now has a thriving tourism industry and we feel that the time is now right to refocus the centre to also promote business opportunities in the area. With this in mind we have recently installed a new exhibition promoting West Cumbria’s industrial heritage to highlight that we have always been a progressive, forward looking region.
“Our broader role has seen an increase in use of the centre, which is reflected in a 26% increase in people using the facilities, which is good for the site and the community. This is an exciting time for the Centre and the nuclear industry.”
The Sellafield Centre is open Monday to Friday for visitors. For meeting and conference facilities contact the Sellafield Centre telephone 019467 27027.
