Cheshire’s world-famous Jodrell Bank Observatory recently welcomed Macclesfield MP David Rutley and senior team members from Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership and Marketing Cheshire to the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The local MP joined Marketing Cheshire chief executive Joe Manning and chair Trevor Brocklebank for the visit in November.
The delegation toured Jodrell Bank’s latest visitor attraction the First Light Pavilion, which opened to the public in June. The new £21.5 million building aims to open up Jodrell Bank’s heritage to more visitors and includes a new exhibition on the history of the Grade I listed Lovell Telescope and the pioneering scientists who built it.
The visit to the Manchester University-owned site was also an opportunity to discuss the importance of tourism and the visitor economy to Cheshire’s future success.
The Marketing Cheshire team highlighted how the county attracts 36.3 million visitors a year, creating a visitor economy worth over £3.7 billion. Jodrell Bank is one of Cheshire’s most famous landmarks and a jewel in the county’s tourism offer.
The delegation also took the opportunity to discuss exciting plans for 2023.
Marketing Cheshire Chief Executive, Joe Manning said: “It was fascinating to visit Jodrell Bank again and discuss Cheshire’s thriving visitor economy. The new First Light Pavilion has built on Jodrell Bank’s already significant offer as a tourist attraction and will bring thousands more people to the observatory every year.
“It was great to hear how people from all over the UK, and indeed the world, have been visiting the stunning new building since it opened in the summer. Jodrell Bank is the place where science, education and our visitor economy come together – and it remains one of our most important tourism destinations.”
David Rutley MP said: “Macclesfield offers great attractions. We should be immensely proud of places such as Jodrell Bank which put our county firmly on the map.
“Whether it’s the beautiful Cheshire and Peak District countryside, historic Lyme Park, or the community spirit of Macclesfield Treacle Market we have so much to celebrate.
“I am grateful to the team at Marketing Cheshire and Cheshire and Warrington LEP for organising this visit to Jodrell Bank and for an opportunity to see the observatory’s wonderful new First Light Pavilion again. It is a terrific location for family visits over the Christmas break.”
