A national children’s museum is set to get a boost after the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority is asked to approve a grant for up to £6.6m.
The £11.75m Eureka Mersey! will be located on the Wirral waterfront and will be an attraction for six to 14-year-olds, with an additional area dedicated to 0-5 year olds.
Its planning proposal, which has been submitted to Wirral Council, will include exhibits and activities designed to boost children’s development of skills in science, technology, engineering, arts and maths.
The museum is based on the West Yorkshire museum Eureka! which is the UK’s only national children’s museum and has welcomed more than 7.5 million visitors since it opened in 1992.
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will today be asked to approve a grant for up to £6.6m to help develop Eureka Mersey! from its Strategic Investment Fund.
Eureka’s chief executive, Leigh-Anne Stradeski, said: ‘We could not be more excited about the prospect of opening a second Eureka! in Wirral.
‘We have engaged extensively with stakeholders across Liverpool City Region in our planning thus far, including children and young people, businesses, academia, education, community and the cultural sector, and the level of engagement, enthusiasm and support has been absolutely incredible.
‘We are hopeful of a positive decision on planning within the next few months.’
‘Our fantastic museums are an integral part of our world-class visitor offer. Eureka! would add something new and exciting to what we already have and become a major attraction for people within our city region and from further afield,’ said Steve Rotheram, metro mayor of the Liverpool City Region.
‘The proposed new attraction’s focus on science, technology, engineering and maths, and links with local businesses and young people’s groups, ties in perfectly with the city region’s growth sectors, and our plans to ensure that young people have the skills they need to succeed in tomorrow’s workplace.’
