Eureka! Mersey, a planned children’s museum on the Wirral waterfront, is moving ahead thanks to £3 million funding from the Inspiring Science Fund.
The money will go towards the £11m total required to bring Eureka! Mersey to life.
The museum will appeal primarily to 7 to 14-year-olds. It is designed to inspire young people to explore science, technology, engineering, arts and maths (STEAM). It will feature bespoke content to reflect sectors identified by the city region as key drivers for future economic growth and prosperity.
The museum is planned to open in 2021. It will consist of 2,200m² of interactive exhibition space. It will also feature workshops, a shop, café and adjoining outdoor science park.
Science Minister Sam Gyimah said: “We want to bring the wonders of science to as wide an audience as possible and that’s why it is at the heart of our modern Industrial Strategy. Today’s investment will help inspire people from across the country to learn about the truly amazing benefits that science and technology has on all our lives.”
“Transform of the lives of local children”
Leigh-Anne Stradeski, Chief Executive of Eureka!, said: “I am absolutely delighted by this news. We are moving closer and closer to bringing Eureka! to the Wirral waterfront and truly believe it will transform the lives of local children and young people.
“This funding from the Inspiring Science scheme is a major step forward for our aspirations to create this world-class visitor attraction in partnership with Wirral Council, Merseytravel and the Liverpool City Region LEP. We are absolutely thrilled and it means we can now develop our plans further, working towards delivering a centre which reflects the context, spirit and ambitions of the area.”
Steve Rotheram, Liverpool City Region Metro Mayor, said: “I am delighted that we will soon be welcoming Eureka! tothe city region. Eureka! has been a huge success in Halifax as a very popular visitor attraction with a serious remit toinstill excitement and interest in science, technology, engineering and maths.
“I’m sure it will help attract visitors to the Wirral as well as inspiring our next generation. We have a long-term ambition to encourage more girls to study STEM subjects in school, and having Eureka! here in the city region will definitely support that aim.”
A unique feature of the Eureka! experience and a key part of its philosophy is the emphasis on undirected exploration. Children are encouraged to take their own journey and to explore where and when they choose rather than being directed by an adult.
