FOLLOWING a rigorous round of business bids considered by the Tay Cities Region Deal Joint Committee, Aero Space Kinross (ASK) has received exciting funding news, that the ASK business case had been successful and funding of £1.6 million from the UK Government has been officially approved.
As part of a much bigger overall commitment to the area by local, Scottish and UK governments, the investment will provide the foundation of a funding structure to construct an uniquely-themed aviation, astronomy and space flight science centre – an interactive, educational and inspirational experience that will attract families from across central Scotland and beyond to this must-see visitor destination.
The venue will incorporate a fixed dome planetarium, exploring the universe through modern and interactive tools and technologies.
ASK’s activities and attraction is underpinned by the desire to encourage young people into science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) led opportunities. The project will stimulate excitement and participation in career and leisure opportunities in the multi-faceted aerospace sector and encourage future generations to enter the high value aerospace industry via existing educational and training bodies in the region.
ASK will also contribute to two of the city deal key sectoral strengths: to create a world-class tourism offering and to link in with the region’s STEM strengths and educational facilities at all levels – junior and senior schools, colleges and universities.
Plans for this uniquely themed aviation, astronomy and space flight centre to be based near Kinross in the heart of Scotland are well under way with Tay Cities Region Deal funding now approved and a plan in place to site it the proposed venue near the M90 at Kinross at the former MOD/NATO Satellite Communications Station at Balado Bridge.
Known widely as ‘The Golf Ball”’ the site offers great access from the major arterial route of the eastern Central belt, the M90, and is of sufficient size to support future expansion beyond the scope of this stage.
Utilisation of existing buildings will help minimise carbon impacts as will conversion of existing fossil fuel-based energy sources to renewables.
Commenting on the TCRD funding success, chair of Aero Space Scientific Educational Trust, Alisdair Stewart, said: “We are really delighted to hear we have a formal acceptance of our Tay Cities Region Deal business case. Coming shortly after our successful ASK bond offer campaign, where we raised £250,000 – we are now well on our way to making this a project a reality and are fully focused on securing the further funds needed to progress the project.”
UK Government Minister for Scotland, Malcolm Offord, said: “Aero Space Kinross is achieving the first steps in its mission to deliver an unique and exciting new visitor attraction and science centre.
“This will educate young people and encourage them explore new horizons, while creating jobs and bringing investment to the region.
“The UK Government is supporting the project with £1.6 million as part of £2.4 billion investment in levelling up across Scotland.”
ENDS
Notes for editors:
The Tay Cities Region Deal is a partnership between local, Scottish and UK governments and the private, academic and voluntary sectors which seeks to create a smarter and fairer Angus, Dundee, Fife and Perth & Kinross under the headings Inclusive Tay; Innovative Tay; International Tay; Connected Tay and An Empowered Tay.
The Scottish Government and UK Government will each invest up to £150 million in the Tay Cities Region Deal over ten years, subject to final approval of robust business cases.
As of 30th September 2022, over £74m of Government investment has been released and almost 700 jobs have been created.
This central investment from both Governments has the potential to lever in £400m of investment over 15 years, of which more than £123m has been secured by Projects.
Full and further information on the progress the Deal has made to date on securing investment and jobs, can be found within the Annual Performance Report located on the Tay Cities Region Deal website – https://www.taycities.co.uk/publications
Aero Space Kinross will be an uniquely-themed aviation, astronomy and space flight centre based in Kinross, right in the heart of Scotland. Plans are well underway to create an interactive, fun, educational and inspirational experience that will touch families from across central Scotland and beyond to this ‘must-see’ visitor destination and will include a fully immersive planetarium, flight simulation, outstanding exhibits showcasing aviation and highlighting aerospace exploration.
It will ultimately act to stimulate interest in young people for the high value aerospace industry and training establishments in the Tay Cities region and beyond.
ASK has been approved as an emerging site for a Challenger Learning Centre in Scotland, a well-respected educational and inspirational facility which has over 40 centres across the USA and Canada.
The ASK offering will complement the Scottish science centres and the National Museum of Flight and vice versa.
About ASSET and Aero Space Kinross
Aero Space Scientific Educational Trust (‘ASSET’) is community led, controlled and operated co-operative charity established in 2015 for the benefit of Kinross-shire – the community it serves. The creation by ASSET of a permanent venue for Aero Space Kinross is a tremendous opportunity for the residents of Kinross-shire and beyond that will bring economic, educational and tourism benefits to the area, as well as providing locals, Scots, and visitors alike with a unique flight-themed science and space centre.
Aero Space Kinross Community Interest Company is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Aero Space Scientific Educational Trust.
For more information on how to support and be a part of this unique charity go to… http://www.aerospacekinross.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aerospacekinross
Further information contact:
For further project and ASSET information please contact: Alisdair Stewart: alisdair@aerospacekinross.com Mob: 07825 698613
For further press information, images and interviews please contact Fiona Stewart: fiona@aerospacekinross.com Mob: 07979 622853
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Contact: Fiona Stewart
Phone: 07979622853
Email: fiona@aerospacekinross.com
Website: http://www.aerospacekinross.com
