Prime Minister backs science centre

Parts of Oldham’s new regional science centre could open this year.

That’s the aim of key partners who want to create Greater Manchester’s leading scientific resource.

The scheme was backed by Prime Minister Gordon Brown yesterday as he toured the Christie radiotherapy centre.

Oldham councillors also approved the idea this week. The collaborative venture between the Oldham Partnership, Oldham Council and the University Campus Oldham will be run by Oldham Sixth Form College.

Despite doubts about funding last year, when money from the Learning and Skills Council ran out, the partners are confident work will start this year.

Oldham Council leader Howard Sykes said: “This is an excellent example of how close working with our local partners can realise a strategic vision.

“We have not been talking about this idea for very long, and yet we hope to have some of this new facility open later this year.”

The aim is for the science centre to become not only a prestigious teaching facility, but also the leading scientific educational and research resource in Greater Manchester.

Mr Brown said: “I have been to the Sixth Form College and of course Oldham is one of the great areas of manufacturing.

“Seeing the teaching of skills such as science, engineering and technology will be very important for the future.

“We want to promote science right across the country and doubled the science budget in the last 10 years. We are trying to widen access right across the country.”

The outline minimum requirements for the new Oldham centre include 21 specialised laboratories for physics, biology, and chemistry research; a high-tech interactive exhibition space; meeting rooms; IT-based study areas and staff offices.

Within the first 18 months it would provide scientific activities, specialised education and research for 1,600 school pupils, 300 additional further education enrolments in science and maths, and 100 additional higher education students.

Councillor Sykes added: “Education remains key to our regeneration plans for Oldham — developing the skilled talent to make our economic development a reality — and this is also our first physical construction project that benefits from Metrolink running into the town centre.

“Our new transport infrastructure will help to make the Regional Science Centre a success across Greater Manchester, linking us ever more closely with neighbouring authorities and making access to Oldham easier.

Nick Brown, Sixth Form College principal and chairman of the Oldham Partnership, said: “Science is widely accepted to be the key driver for future economic growth in the Greater Manchester region and beyond.

“That’s why education is now vital. Attracting 2,000 students to a centre of excellence like this would be a huge boost to the borough.”