Xplore! Science Discovery Centre Secures £1 Million Donation for Exciting New Early Years Experience
Building on the success of Phase One – which is bringing a brand-new fixed planetarium to Wrexham – Xplore! Science Discovery Centre is thrilled to announce it has secured an additional £1 million donation from the Moondance Foundation to launch Phase Two of its transformative redevelopment project.
Located in the heart of Wrexham, Xplore! offers over 85 interactive, hands-on exhibits and, thanks to UK Government Shared Prosperity Funds, will soon feature a fixed planetarium—making it a perfect day out for families and science enthusiasts alike. As an educational charity dedicated to inspiring curiosity and learning through play, Xplore! is set to expand even further with ambitious plans to enhance early years education.
Building on its growing success, Xplore! is now preparing to launch Phase Two of its redevelopment. This next stage will introduce the eagerly awaited LaunchPAD (Play and Discovery) / PADlansio (Potsio a Darganfod) — a space-themed dynamic new environment for early years learning that harnesses and fuels children’s natural love of rockets and space, alongside a fully revamped café. The LaunchPAD concept received outstanding community support through recent market research, making it a clear priority in the centre’s expansion plans.
Designed to flip the script on early years learning, LaunchPAD champions active, self-directed play and exploration within a stimulating environment that sparks imagination, curiosity, and creativity. This is not soft play; it’s a carefully crafted, immersive STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) exhibition firmly grounded in the Wales Early Years Framework and the Curriculum for Wales Progression Step 1.
“It’s exciting to see Xplore! secure Moondance Foundation funding for the LaunchPAD project. This innovative space will inspire under 5s through inclusive, creative, and immersive experiences that build confidence and vital skills, all aligned with the Curriculum for Wales. I’m proud to be part of the steering group ensuring it benefits communities in Wrexham and beyond, with the Wellbeing of Future Generations Act at its heart” said Sonia John, Programme Manager Civic Mission at Wrexham University.
LaunchPAD will feature three interconnected zones tailored to different stages of child development:
- Sensory Space for under 2s, offering tactile, calming experiences and sensory-rich activities.
- Space Academy for ages 2–5, featuring role play and hands-on exhibits themed around space and flight to develop motor and cognitive skills, while also introducing young learners to exciting career pathways in STEAM fields such as aerospace, engineering, and space science.
- Deep Space for ages 2-5, an immersive area using light, shadow, and projections to spark curiosity and support language and social skills.
Together, these spaces create a spiral curriculum experience where children revisit and build on concepts through play, preparing them to fully engage with Xplore!’s main exhibitions and planetarium by age five.
“This is a huge step forward for a reimagined Xplore!” said Jayne Chamberlain, Projects Officer “LaunchPAD will inspire the next generation to discover the joy of learning naturally and independently, supporting early childhood development in a unique and meaningful way.”
As part of the exciting plans, the café will undergo a significant transformation thanks to the donation, enabling the kitchen to be expanded and upgraded with modern equipment. Overlooking the LaunchPAD area, the revamped café will provide guardians with a comfortable space to relax and enjoy refreshments while safely watching their children play.
The public has played an essential role in shaping Xplore! 2.0, and this latest funding milestone marks a significant step toward delivering an inclusive and engaging science discovery experience for families across Wrexham and beyond. Stay tuned to Xplore!’s social media channels for updates and sneak peeks of the exciting new installations. The project is expected to be completed in late 2026, bringing this transformative vision to life.
