NEW science exhibits and upgrades to outdoor play areas are planned for The Look Out in a £40,000 funding proposal.
The popular Bracknell discovery centre has been allocated the funds as part of a rolling annual scheme outlined in Bracknell Forest Council’s (BFC) draft budget plans.
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Further upgrades and enhancements to the hands-on science centre are proposed for The Look Out as some of the equipment has “reached the end of its technical lifespan”.
A report explaining the proposal read: “The centre intends to purchase two to three new pieces of equipment dependant on individual costs and perceived benefits which would add educational learning value to the existing facilities, and, in addition, would add to the excitement and enjoyment that children and families experience.
“By providing new features within the hands-on science area we help to increase the overall impression of The Look Out and also support sales in the gift shop.”
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New outdoor play area equipment is also planned for the site following the addition of new features in 2018.
Bosses hope to replace the equipment with at least one new feature that is “in keeping with the natural theme of the current play area”.
More than 600,000 people visit The Look Out every year, with around 150,000 paying to access the science centre.
Another £60,000 has been proposed for work to replace The Look Out’s lift, according to BFC capital budget documents.
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Despite these spending plans for the site’s infrastructure, council bosses are proposing the centre’s services and supplies budget shrinks by £65,000 to reflect how much managers spent last year.
Residents can have their say on these plans, and BFC’s other 2020/2021 budget proposals, before the council’s consultation closes on Friday, January 31 2020.
Councillors will vote on the authority’s final budget plans at a meeting in late February.
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