Techniquest Goes to Market for New Coffee Shop Operator

Techniquest Goes to Market for New Coffee Shop Operator

Science discovery centre Techniquest has appointed retail and leisure agents EJ Hales to source an operator for its new coffee shop.

The charity, which is soon to embark on a major extension of its Cardiff Bay-based property, is seeking an operator for its new purpose-built coffee shop.

The 1,152 sq ft unit, which has its own entrance via Stuart Street, as well as direct access from Techniquest, is part of the £5.7m Science Capital project.

The space is being marketed at £27,500 per annum on a new lease to be agreed, also includes two store rooms, a toilet and servery space.

Earlier this year, the much-loved science centre was granted planning permission to extend its facility, in a bid to attract new audiences.

With 60% more floor space, the extended building will house an additional 60 exhibits, covering themes such as space, environmental science, medical biology, chemistry, cutting edge technology and world issues.

Since its inception in 1986, Techniquest has welcomed over 5 million visitors who have enjoyed hands-on interactive exhibits, science and planetarium shows.

It is expected that the new coffee shop operator will benefit from 200,000 visitors per year.

Owen Cahill of Cardiff-based EJ Hales, said:

“We anticipate a lot of interest in the proposed coffee shop. Techniquest is already a much-loved visitor attraction in Cardiff and with its new extended offering it will now appeal to a much broader demographic of visitor.

“The coffee shop is in a great spot, easily accessible from its own entrance onto the Bay and directly via Techniquest. The space will also benefit from its proximity to Mermaid Quay, which will also undergo a comprehensive refurbishment later this year. We’re delighted to be working with Techniquest on its exciting Science Capital project.”

Lesley Kirkpatrick, CEO of Techniquest, said:

“As part of our Science Capital project, not only are we introducing new content to attract and engage new audiences, we are also creating a new coffee shop and retail space. “The team at EJ Hales are specialists in the retail and leisure sector so they were a natural partner for us in helping us to secure a new operator. With work on site imminent, it’s all systems go on this exciting project.”

Techniquest’s £5.7m Science Capital project is being funded by Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy (BEIS) and Wellcome Trust’s Inspiring Science Fund Moondance Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Welsh Government's ‘Invest to Save’ fund, and Proton Partners International.