Aberdeen Science Centre has extended its corporate event space to include its garden, which can now host BBQs, live music or outdoor drinks receptions to make the most of the summer evenings.
Following a project to revamp the garden by volunteers and a team of supporters from logistics and materials management company ASCO, the spruced-up space includes built in seating for socialising or brainstorming.
Delegates can also book on-site catering – from burgers and hot dogs to salads and vegan options – provided by Grub Fresh Food, which runs the café on the ground floor of the centre.
Alongside more than 60 new interactive activities is the Shell Learning Zone, which is also available for corporate hire – with free access to the exhibits included. The venue, at the Tramsheds on Constitution Street, reopened in 2020 after being completely modernised and extended as part of a major project to create an aspirational science centre which reflects the STEM priorities for both industry and education.
Event planners can choose from three purpose-built meeting rooms. The Proton and Neutron Rooms can be used independently for up to 50 delegates each or opened up to accommodate around 80 guests in theatre style seating, while the Electron Room can hold around 40.
The large upper exhibition floor can also be used for conferences with 150 guests and other events such as drinks receptions.
Erin Flett, Head of Business Development, said: “We have had a lot of interest in booking our garden space for corporate and team events as there are not many venues in town which can provide outside space. We can accommodate up to 40 people with options to move inside if the weather turns out to be less than favourable. We hope our unique venue will provide inspiration to event delegates, who will also have the chance to try out our interactive exhibits during breaks or lunchtime!
“There are three purpose-built meeting rooms to choose from, as well as the upper exhibition floor which can be set up as a conference or drinks reception space, all of which are equipped with a range of high-tech AV equipment, including video conferencing.
Erin added: “As well as creating an unusual event in a venue which will get guests talking, clients are also supporting a STEM charity which aims to inspire generations of both children and adults.”
Equipment such as conference furniture, a laptop, wi-fi, stationery and a projector and screen is included as standard.
All delegates have free access to the centre’s exhibits, which are are aimed at all ages and are themed into six new zones: Energy; Space; Life Sciences; Make It, Test It; and a special area for the under-6s.
Activities include The OPITO Theatre of Energy – the UK’s first immersive experience of its kind – and RoboThespian, an interactive humanoid robot sponsored by the centre’s Digital Futures Partner, Equinor.
They support ASC’s commitment to inspire a lifelong interest in science, by creating engaging experiences which are fun, informative and educational.
Aberdeen Science Centre’s £4.7million redevelopment was made possible by generous support and funding from the Inspiring Science Fund – a partnership between the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS), UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) and Wellcome – with additional funding provided by Opportunity North East (ONE) and Aberdeen City Council.
The project secured a further £1.5million from funders and sponsors including OPITO, Shell, Equinor, bp, The Robertson Trust, TAQA and CNOOC International to deliver quality exhibits and programmes to enhance the overall visitor experience at the venue, as well through outreach work.
Fundraising is ongoing for future programmes and activities to engage visitors in STEM.
Corporate room hire starts at £ 285 plus VAT, with day delegate rates from £39plus VAT per person. For more information, call 01224 640340, or email corporate@ASC.scot.