By Liv Clarke

Copyright manchestereveningnews

Next month, The Science and Industry Museum will reopen the Power Hall to the public with a free exhibition where visitors can experience the “sights, smells and sounds of the engines” which powered the Industrial Revolution. The Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery will open its doors once more on Friday, October 17 – just in time for the half term holidays. It’s the latest building to reopen as part of a multi-million pound regeneration project currently taking place across the museum. Originally built as a shipping shed for the world’s first inter-city steam powered passenger railway, the Grade II listed building was first used by the museum in September 1983, when it became home to one of the UK’s largest collections of historic working engines. For the best ideas on days out, shopping and parenting issues, get the Manchester Family newsletter here In 2019 it was temporarily closed to allow for urgent repair works, a pioneering de-carbonisation project to reduce the building’s carbon emissions and a reimagining of its displays, interpretation and visitor experience. Now the “living gallery” will showcase a unique collection of historic 19th and early 20th century working engines, powered by 21st century, carbon-neutral infrastructure. Stepping back inside Power Hall, visitors will rediscover iconic engines that powered everything from cotton mills to chip shops, electricity generators to railways. These include Pender, a steam locomotive used to transport holiday makers around the Isle of Man in the 1870s, which offers a unique view into its inner workings through its cut away side. The Durn Mill steam engine will also be up and running, which was originally used to power weaving machinery at an 1800s mill near Rochdale . Returning visitors will also be pleased to see a replica of the Planet steam locomotive, built by skilled volunteers inside Power Hall in 1992. There will also be new displays which will explore the people behind the industry, such as one of the first women to have a full career as an electrical engineer, or a woman forced to pick cotton on American plantations that was supplied to Manchester’s mills, or a present-day designer of wind turbines. There will be interactive features and activities, many of which are designed to inspire young minds and fuel curiosity. Sally MacDonald, Director of the Science and Industry Museum, said: “This is a hugely significant moment for our museum, the Science Museum Group and for Manchester. “Power Hall symbolises the city’s innovation, creativity and resilience, and we are overjoyed that visitors will soon be back to enjoy all the amazing objects and stories on display. “Ideas that began in this city have impacted people and places across the world and shaped life as we know it, and Power Hall showcases this in a very physical way. Our colleagues who first set up this gallery in 1983 knew that science and engineering have always been crucial to Manchester’s success and future growth. Many people have told me that the Power Hall was inspirational for them as children, and I hope now it can inspire a new generation of inventors and technicians. “A massive thank you to our fantastic collaborators, partners and funders for helping us to create this must-see Manchester experience, and of course to our visitors for their patience and sustained interest while Power Hall has been closed. I speak on behalf of everyone at the museum when I say we can’t wait to welcome you back.” Join our Family WhatsApp group HERE The project was made possible with support from Andrew Law via his personal foundation, AL Philanthropies. This will also support an education programme centred around the stories and machines in Power Hall, which aims to encourage more young people to pursue careers in STEM by highlighting the diverse people responsible for inventing, building and powering new technology. Andrew Law said: “I have been delighted to support the regeneration of Power Hall. As well as being steeped in history – science and industry in the Greater Manchester region is again of central importance to both further education and help drive economic growth. With this iconic building back open, we hope that many will be inspired to pursue STEM learning and careers.” Other supports for the project include the The National Lottery Heritage Fund, The Beaverbrooks Charitable Trust, and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, among others. The Power Hall has been redesigned with sustainability in mind. The new roof re-used most of the original slates, while original features were improved and repaired. A new electric boiler powered by a vast new water source heat network and new LED lighting have been installed. Visitors will be welcomed to the 2,500 square metre space through a new central entrance which has been improved with better access. It is reached through the museum’s historic Upper Yard, which now provides accessible routes, as well as seating and planting linked to the history of the site, which has been designed by landscape architects Planit working alongside heritage architects Buttress. The Power Hall: The Andrew Law Gallery will reopen on Friday October 17 . Visits to Power Hall are free and included as part of a free museum ticket. For more of the latest What’s On news, click here.