Brisbane has a brand new Sciencentre with a brand new name – ‘SparkLab’. The $9.5 million renovation is the first in 14 years.

Laura Fell reports.

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The welcome mats are rolled out and the doors are open to a new world of scientific discovery in the heart of Brisbane just in time for the school holidays.

The first visitors couldn’t wait to step inside.

Vox 1: “It’s really cool.”

Vox 2: “We had to wait a really long time for them to build it. And what do you think now that it’s done? Really happy.”

The SparkLab Sciencentre officially opened this morning attracting a crowd eager to explore, experiment and engage with all things scientific.

Vox 3: “I love science.”

SparkLab hopes to connect and inspire the next generation developing interests and skills in science, technology, engineering and maths.

With 40 interactive exhibits, including a science bar the centre is all about hands-on learning.

Rebekah Collins, SparkLab Manager: “And when you come to SparkLab you get to be a scientist, get to play and be curious ask lots of questions, test out your ideas, make observations and even design and make solutions to challenges.”

But it’s not just for the kids.

Vox 4: “You never really want to grow up do ya.”

SparkLab is the Sciencentre’s first renovation in 14 years. It’s set to draw huge crowds for the school holidays, kicking off at the end of this week.

Laura Fell, QUT News.