At-Bristol science centre will close two of its struggling attractions and axe up to 45 jobs in an effort to cut its costs.

Goéry Delacote, chief executive officer, said that the centre would close the Wildwalk attraction and its IMAX theatre in April 2007, due to poor attendances.

“Many factors have been taken into account in making this proposal,” he said.

“Without the likelihood of long-term government funding becoming available, it is important that we move to make At-Bristol financially sustainable.”

The job losses will relate to the operations of the two attractions and were defended by the local Regional Development Agency (RDA).

Ian Knight, head of operations at South West RDA, said: “We have great sympathy for the staff who are facing an uncertain future but we do understand the management’s need to focus on establishing the long-term viability of the centre.”

The science centre will now concentrate primarily on providing interactive exhibitions and programmes at its two remaining attractions – Explore and the Planetarium – and will also continue to provide science-based exhibition and education services to schools and colleges.

At-Bristol chair, Peter McIlwraith, said: "I have consistently referred to At-Bristol's need for some form of long term financial support to sustain its current level of activity.

“With no realistic prospect of securing this, changes must now be made to secure At-Bristol's long-term future and the board fully supports the proposed changes."

Councillor Barbara Janke, leader of Bristol City Council, said: "We welcome the clear and decisive action that the board of At-Bristol are taking to secure the long term future of the complex.

“We have invested significant sums in the centre over the years and are committed to continuing to provide our current level of annual support to assist At-Bristol in delivering a sustainable business plan."

The £97m science centre opened in July 2000 as part of a £450m urban rejuvenation scheme.

A registered charity, the centre is operated on a not for profit basis.

Initial funding for the centre came from a £44.3m grant from the Millennium Commission with further contributions from Bristol City Council, the South West of England RDA and private sector partners totalling £43.4m.