National Space Centre

The National Space Centre is a joint venture run by Leicester City Council and Leicester University. Its focus is on education. It comprises three buildings: the first is a temporary exhibition structure, the second a single-storey, main exhibition area. This was built in the shell of a disused storm-water tank, which is disguised externally by a perforated metal screen, and contains a planetarium. The third building, and perhaps the most remarkable, is the rocket hall. This houses full-size Thor Able and Blue Streak rockets. A simple steel skeleton loops over the exhibits, which are protected from the weather by a series of inflated ETFE cushions. Individual cushions can be replaced if they become damaged. Alternatively, a group of cushions can be taken out to allow the rockets to be removed or replaced. A staircase and lift at the back of the hall allow vistors to see the exhibits in close-up at different heights.