Cross Governmental funding key to £7m Aerospace Centre

Unique Perthshire project could be open by 2028

Cross-governmental funding could help pave the way for a new £7m Aerospace Discovery Centre in Kinross which is tipped to attract 28 000 visitors per year.

Members of Aero Space Scientific Educational Trust (ASSET) approved proposals at the charity’s AGM on Thursday to move ahead with a pioneering project at Loch Leven Community Campus, which will include a 10m wide full-domed planetarium for 70 guests, a café and Exhibition space.

Revised plans for the Centre could be approved by council planners next month, with an outline opening date of March 1st, 2028, being earmarked.

Scottish astronaut Dave Mackay is an Aero Space Kinross ambassador

Natural home

Perth and Kinross Council has provided a plot at the town’s Community campus on a 100-year lease, ending a lengthy quest to find a suitable home for the project.

As well as providing STEM learning for schools in learning spaces and aerospace Exhibitions, the Discovery Centre will also add important revenue streams through arts and leisure projects including film screenings and events.

Exhibitions will focus on topics such as Navigation, Meteorology, space exploration, astronomy and air traffic control.

The building itself will cost approximately £3.7m to build, with a contractor hopefully appointed next year.

The project site, indicated in red

Challenging funding environment

Officials said that raising additional funding was a ‘challenge in the current climate’, but that the will to see the project over the line was stronger than ever.

“We are as far forward now as we’ve ever been and our capability to deliver is as strong as it’s ever been. Funding dependent, we are ready, willing and eager to proceed,” said a Spokesman.

ASSET engaged nearly 20 000 people of all ages in STEM education in 2024/25 and has a proven impact in delivering education.

In 2022/23, £250,861 was raised through a Bonds issue, which will form part of the Discovery Centre funding.

Last year, Scotland’s first astronaut Dave Mackay, who became Virgin Galactic’s chief pilot in 2011, was announced as ambassador for Aero Space Kinross.

For more on the project, click here.