Plans for £30m Science Oxford centre unveiled

SO hope the new centre will be a major tourist destination

People in Oxford are to get the chance to see the results of local scientific discovery at first hand.

Science Oxford (SO) has announced it is creating a £30m cultural centre near the city's castle complex.

The centre at Macclesfield House in New Road will feature interactive galleries and a digital planetarium.

Chief executive Ian Griffin said: "Our vision is to bring the excitement of science and the joy of discovery right to the heart of our city."

'Striking addition'

The project is expected to be under development over the next five years.

SO says the facility will transform Macclesfield House and become a major tourist destination, attracting 100,000 visitors a year.

The 0.47-acre (1.9 hectares) site adjacent to the historic Castle Mound will be developed by the architects responsible for the Great Court at the British Museum and the "Gherkin" in the City of London.

Chris Connell of Foster + Partners said: "The designs are at a preliminary stage, but our intention is to create a striking contemporary addition to the city's rich architectural heritage."