The board is seeking to appoint a manager with the required operational skills and expertise to take the GSC forward into its next phase

George Bennett GSC chairman

Mr Bennett said the centre was looking forward to a positive future.

"Paul's commitment and project management skills ensured that we created and successfully opened a world-class science centre for Scotland," Mr Bennett said.

"We thank him for this major contribution and wish him well.

"Now that the GSC's unique blend of science and fun is welcoming nearly 500,000 people a year, the board is seeking to appoint a manager with the required operational skills and expertise to take the GSC forward into its next phase."

The Queen formally opened the �75m science centre last July after a troubled start for the attraction.

Centrepiece attraction

An estimated 1,000 visitors arrived for the attraction's first day - but could not be charged an entrance fee because of the delay in securing a public entertainment licence.

In March, the repairs to the tower, which is designed to rotate in prevailing winds, cost about �75,000.

The mall is the centrepiece attraction of the Glasgow Science Centre and is expected to attract up to 600,000 visitors a year.

Its four floors house hundreds of interactive exhibits made up of light beams, mirrors, optical illusions, audio and computer displays, and water tanks.