We The Curious to remain closed till January after fire

It's thought the fire on the roof earlier this year was caused by birds damaging solar panels

This drone shot shows the damage caused by the fire
Author: James DiamondPublished 29th Jun 2022

Bristol's science centre We The Curious won't reopen until January next year, after a fire in April damaged the roof.

Bosses at the site on the harbourside announced the news this morning (June 29), saying it caused extensive damage meaning the building's heating and cooling systems need to be completely replaced.

The blaze on April 9 caused the building to be evacuated and disrupted a wedding reception due to take place inside.

It has since been concluded the fire was more than likely caused by damage to solar panels, caused by birds.

"Our team of contractors are still assessing the damage; we’ve sustained some significant fire and water damage to the roof, our second floor and our building systems," a statement from We The Curious reads.

"The water damage is quite extensive, and crucially, it’s in our building systems – so we need to replace our heating and cooling systems."

The team say doing so does at least fit in with their plans to be carbon neutral by 2030.

An exact reopening date is still unknown and in the meantime, they say they will be heading out and taking We The Curious to every Bristol postcode.

"Starting this summer, find us popping up at free community events and city festivals across the city," they say.

More details are due to be posted on the We The Curious website in due course, here.

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