Takings rocket after Space Centre re-launch
The UK’s largest attraction dedicated to space exploration and space science, the National Space Centre in Leicester, is currently enjoying a ‘massive’ boost in revenue – thanks to a recently completed project to re-design and re-brand the entrance, front of house areas and cafe in order to attract more visitors.
Featuring an iconic Rocket Tower, the UK’s largest domed planetarium, plus space suits, rockets, satellites, meteorites and other amazing artefacts, the building also houses experts and a full space communications team.
The centre’s innovative new look, created by Mynt Design as the first phase of the revamp project, sees a fresh take on the entrance foyer, new cafe branding and signage, a more efficient ticketing area, updated seating booths and new treatments to the planetarium exterior.
Ollie Patterson, marketing manager at Mynt Design said: “Our branding and retail design work has led to a massive increase in revenue for the venue. Since the re-launch in the summer, the café (which we branded as ‘Boosters’) has seen an increase in revenue of 48%, whilst overall visitor numbers rocketed up by 22%. Spend per head is up by 21% and transaction spend went up 15%.
“We introduced a large-scale, illuminated glowing welcome wall at the entrance to greet visitors, whilst new display installations showcase information about the iconic original Soyuz Spacecraft, which is on display as a centerpiece in this area. Clear internally illuminated navigational signage directs visitors to key areas of the attraction, including The Rocket Tower, the Boosters cafe, Planetarium, and main entrance.
“We have also introduced a ‘countdown area’ in the ticketing section at the start of the exhibition experience. The ‘countdown area’ comprises 10 light boxes numbered from 10 to 1 with graphics detailing the various exhibits, inside the centre. This is geared to generating anticipation and excitement in visitors queueing for tickets.
“For the re-branded ‘Boosters’ cafe, we have introduced new graphics, signage and seating so it is now a destination for lunches or a great place to grab a coffee and learn more about the artefacts on display.”
According to the National Space Centre: “We asked Mynt to reinvent our main entrance area, to add the excitement and wonder that was missing from it. The proposal we received not only did this but also encouraged us to develop other aspects of the area such as the new Soyuz lounge and the hugely impressive Welcome Wall.
“One of our favourites is the new logo for Boosters café, which cleverly mixes rockets and plates, not a phrase we thought we would ever use!
“We worked closely with the team to ensure that our technical knowledge and Mynt’s creative ideas produced not only a great ‘look’ but also addressed practical issues and problems.
“They took on our concerns, and their proposed designs have helped us to achieve these important aims. We have ended up with a great finish, one that our customers are enjoying and that has impressed our own staff. I’m pleased to say that the area is now unrecognisable from where we started – so much more impressive and welcoming.”
Based on the huge success of phase one of the scheme Mynt Design have been selected to work on the second phase of the project, involving the re-vamp of the centre’s gift shop.