Visitors will be able to step behind Sellafield’s security fences for the first time in years – thanks to a new exhibition.
The Sellafield Story at Whitehaven’s Beacon Museum has been revamped – and when it reopens next week, will offer a virtual tour of the nuclear site.
Housed in a 300-degree immersive cinema, the tour includes exclusive footage captured across the site and inside some of Sellafield’s nuclear facilities.
Kate Stinton, Sellafield Ltd director of communications and stakeholder engagement, said: “With the original exhibition we wanted to bring Sellafield into the local community, explaining what we do and showcasing the people who do the work. With this update we’ve been able to add an element of taking people behind our security fences, albeit virtually.”
The updated exhibition also includes a photos showing how the nuclear site has evolved over 75 years, as well as how the communities have developed alongside the site. People will also be able to submit their own photographs to feature in the timeline.
Other features include hands-on games, new early-years activities, and introduces three new central characters – Proton, Neutron, and Wlectron – collectively known as the Atom Squad.
The collaboration with Copeland Borough Council and the Beacon Museum team is part of Sellafield Ltd’s Social Impact Multiplied programme.
Gary McKeating, Sellafield Ltd’s head of community and development, said: “Our partnership with Copeland Borough Council at the Beacon Museum is another example of the power of delivering social impact through collaboration with community partners.
“Social Impact Multiplied is part of Sellafield Ltd’s wider sustainability programme and so I am particularly proud that in refreshing the exhibition the team minimised the waste created, recycling 60 per cent of the original wall display materials.”
Heather Holmes, Copeland Borough Council’s customer and visitor experience manager, said: “I think our visitors are going to love the immersive nature of the film, and all the other interactive elements – it’s a great way to have fun and learn about the industry at the same time.
“There are some fascinating old photographs from the community too, and many people will be delighted to learn the ever-popular building block area still remains.”
The Sellafield Story will be open to the public as part of the wider Beacon Museum experience from Tuesday, July 5.
