Case Study: Creating a New Horizon at Techniquest – The West Terrace Transformation
4th Aug 2025
Client: Techniquest
Location: Stuart Street, Cardiff Bay, CF10 5BW
Type of Project: Design & Build (RIBA Stage 4 onwards)
Role: Project Management and Quantity Surveying
Durations: 21 weeks
Project Manager/Quantity Surveyor: Gethin Davies and Chris Wright
Completion: April 2025
Overview
Lee Wakemans is proud to have partnered once again with Techniquest, Wales' national science discovery centre, on the successful delivery of the West Terrace Project - a bold and imaginative expansion that brings enhanced flexibility and new potential to one of Cardiff's most iconic educational institutions.
Building upon a relationship forged during the 2020 Science Capital extension, this new chapter focused on creating a purpose-built, multi-use space designed to support Techniquest's mission of inspiring science learning in Wales and beyond.
About Techniquest: A Welsh Landmark
Established in 1986, Techniquest is a much-loved part of Cardiff's cultural and educational landscape. It was one of the first science centres in the UK and remains a national institution dedicated to STEM engagement.
Located at the heart of Cardiff Bay, the main building itself is a striking structure - once a former British Gas showroom, repurposed into a hub of creativity and learning. In 2020, the building underwent a major £5.7m extension, doubling exhibition space and modernising visitor experiences.
The new West Terrace addition enhances this legacy, providing a rooftop facility that blends form and function with flexibility.
Project Scope and Vision
This project aimed to convert a previously underused rooftop terrace into a high-quality, flexible venue space, capable of accommodating:
- Touring exhibitions
- Teaching and learning workshops
- Corporate meetings and conferences
Crucially, the design provides a calm and focused environment, separate from the busier public exhibition spaces within the main building. The location atop the existing structure offers both a literal and metaphorical new perspective.
Programme and Challenges
The project operated under tight time constraints, with some of the capital funding requiring expenditure before the end of March.
As Project Manager and Quantity Surveyor, Lee Wakemans led the accelerated programme delivery, coordinating works efficiently in a logistically challenging environment - all while the centre remained open to school groups and the public. The site's rooftop location added further complexity, requiring careful planning around access, safety, and sequencing.
A Collaborative Delivery
Working closely with a new leadership team at Techniquest - including CEO Sue Wardle, Finance Director Mike Nash, and Director of Experiences Gareth McTiffin - the project was delivered with shared purpose and energy.
"This new space opens the door to exciting collaborations and creative possibilities. With the transformation complete, we're excited to start the next chapter - filling the Bradbury Zone with wonderful things to discover."
- Sue Wardle, CEO, Techniquest
"Delivering a rooftop extension on a live public site with tight funding and planning constraints required collaboration, pragmatism, and a clear focus. Working with Techniquest's team was a pleasure, and we're proud to support their continued growth."
- Paul Wong, Director at Lee Wakemans
Project Highlights
- Challenging Construction: Rooftop build with difficult access and live public operations.
- Accelerated Programme: Delivered to tight funding deadlines.
- STEM Support: Expands the reach and impact of a flagship science learning centre.
- Trusted Relationship: Repeat client with shared values and ambitions.
Looking Forward
The West Terrace is more than just a new room, it is a strategic asset that enables Techniquest to broaden its programme, welcome new users, and further its mission of engaging communities in science. As the space comes to life through exhibitions, events, and learning, it will stand as a testament to the power of adaptive reuse and visionary planning.
It was a real pleasure for our Director, Paul Wong, and Business Development Executive, Charlotte Evans, to attend the official ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Bradbury Zone at Techniquest.
It was fantastic to see the hard work come to life and celebrate this innovative new space, which will inspire learning, creativity, and connection all year round.
They even got to test out the Wallace & Gromit clay modelling station ahead of its launch to the public - a fun and fitting way to round off a brilliant event!
Well done to everyone involved in delivering such an exciting addition to Cardiff Bay.
Find out more here:
Cardiff Life Magazine: https://cardifflife.wales/featured/techniquest-unveils-exciting-new-creative-hub-the-bradbury-zone/
Techniquest news: https://www.techniquest.org/blog/our-expansion-continues-with-the-opening-of-the-bradbury-zone/
For organisations seeking to deliver technically complex projects in live environments, Lee Wakemans offers clarity, confidence, and commitment.
Get in touch to learn how we can bring your next capital vision to life.
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