The centre opened in July 2001

A total of 18 people will lose their jobs following a new two-year funding deal with the Scottish Executive.

The executive has pledged �5.1m to help secure the future of four of Scotland's science centres in Dundee, Glasgow Aberdeen and Edinburgh.

The funding, including a further �1.9m from Scottish Enterprise, is subject to several cost-cutting conditions.

The announcement followed a detailed study commissioned by ministers in Scotland into the needs of the centres.

Brian Weddell, chief executive of Glasgow Science Centre (GSC), confirmed the job losses but said that they were needed to secure its long term future.

I believe that these changes are right because they secure the long term future of Glasgow Science Centre Brian Weddell Chief executive

He added: "Our increased focus means that we need to make operational changes. Those changes will involve the reorganisation of various departments and posts and, as a result, seven new positions will be created.

"Regrettably, we are also proposing to declare redundancies within the centre. It is anticipated that the number of employees to be made redundant will be approximately 18.

"We are currently consulting with those staff affected.

"It is with regret that I have to make this announcement but I believe that these changes are right because they secure the long term future of GSC."

The �75m futuristic-looking complex was officially opened in July 2001 on a derelict site beside the River Clyde in Govan.

It has been visited by over a million people since it opened its doors.

However the centre's 400ft tower, the only one in the world capable of revolving 360� from the ground up, shut for repairs in February 2002 and has still not reopened.