Xplore! Secures Major Investment for Phase One of ‘Xplore! 2.0’ – Featuring a New Planetarium
Xplore! Science Discovery Centre is delighted to announce that it has secured significant funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund to launch Phase One of its exciting redevelopment project, Xplore! 2.0. This first phase will introduce a brand-new, immersive planetarium experience at the heart of the centre.
As an educational charity, Xplore! is dedicated to engaging and inspiring people through STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Maths). Open to both schools and the public, the centre currently features over 85 interactive exhibits, a live science show, and more than 40 educational workshops tailored for school visits.
Thanks to support from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (SPF), Phase One of the redevelopment has been approved—bringing a fixed 30-seat planetarium to the venue. This exciting new feature will be available for school groups, community organisations, and families, offering a day-out experience that’s both educational and memorable.
The planetarium will provide a captivating learning environment for all ages, igniting curiosity and expanding minds. Beyond its educational impact, it will also enhance Wrexham city centre’s cultural landscape, contributing to the visitor economy and strengthening the region’s community and cultural assets.
Over the past 18 months, Xplore! has worked tirelessly to bring the vision of Xplore! 2.0 to life. As part of this process, the team actively engaged the public and local community, inviting them to shape the future of the centre. In a recent survey, an overwhelming 94% of respondents expressed a strong desire for a planetarium. It was widely described as a “wow” experience—one that would transform the visitor offering.
One parent shared:
“Amazing! We can’t wait—especially for the planetarium! We’ve been looking for something like this for years for our son with no success.”
Scot Owen, Centre Manager at Xplore!, added:
“We’re incredibly proud to see the first phase of Xplore! 2.0 come to life, especially knowing it’s been shaped by our visitors and community. The planetarium was the clear favourite in our public consultation, and we’re excited to deliver something that will spark wonder, curiosity, and imagination for years to come. This is just the beginning of a bold new chapter for Xplore!”
Future phases of the Xplore! 2.0 redevelopment are set to further transform the centre, subject to securing additional funding. These exciting plans include the introduction of an illusions zone, a dynamic water play area, a purpose-built conferencing suite, a dedicated space for children under seven, and innovative maker spaces designed to encourage creativity and hands-on learning.
“We are delighted that Xplore! has secured funding for the first phase of their redevelopment project. The development of a new, immersive planetarium in Wrexham will help to spark curiosity in people of all ages – both locally and across the nation. We are confident that this exciting development will also help to inspire the next generation to explore careers in the space sector in Wales, supporting its continued growth and long-term success.” said Dr Rosie Cane, Cluster Development Manager at Space Wales.
Xplore! has announced that you can see their exciting new fixed planetarium in February of 2026, specifically in Astronomy week. Launch week will be aimed at all throughout the week including the public, community groups, schools and uniformed groups. And until then, the centres pop up planetarium is still available to hire in centre or at your location.
Xplore! 2.0 represents the future of STEAM education and tourism in Wales—a bold step forward in inspiring the next generation of curious minds while drawing visitors from across the country and beyond. As this exciting journey unfolds, the public is encouraged to follow Xplore! on social media for updates, behind-the-scenes content, and announcements.
