Project Details



A new home for science

Science Oxford is pleased to announce the purchase of Macclesfield House next to the Oxford Castle Mound in New Road with a view to open an inspirational new centre for science and enterprise by 2015.

Our plan will give Oxford a public face for science and enterprise that will become a major tourist destination attracting 100,000 visitors a year. The centre will showcase the inspiring discoveries and inventions that drive Oxford’s economy, explain to young and old how science and technology underpin our lives and culture and enable children to experience the excitement of science in and out of school. In addition, the site will include an enterprise and innovation centre offering rentable office space to businesses, as well as conference and corporate events facilities.

With the appointment of Foster + Partners as architects for the project, we aim to create a signature destination, to establish a creative dialogue between the old adjacent castle mound and the new state of the art facility for science engagement and to generate a sustainable building.

Science Oxford is keen to hear what people think of our idea, and to learn what they would like to see in the new centre. Members of the public are therefore invited to contribute their views via 3 public consultation workshops on 7th (7pm), 8th (2pm) or 9th (5pm) of December at Science Oxford Live (please call 01865 728953 for more information and workshop times), via our online form or via e-mail at future@scienceoxford.com. Alternatively, they can drop in at Science Oxford Live on Saturdays and weekdays during school holidays to see the latest ideas about what we plan.

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Why do we need a new centre for science and enterprise?

Science is amazing! It continues to be an enormous force for good in the world, improving people’s lives beyond measure. It helps us to make sense of the world around us as we use the scientific method to solve the problems we come across every day. What’s more, our nation’s future depends on inspiring a new generation of science students who will solve the technological problems of the 21st century and stimulate the knowledge-based economy.

Yet even here, in a city which has been home to numerous Nobel Prize winners in science, and which has provided the seedbed for so many successful technology-based companies, science is often dismissed by young people as uncool, and by their elders as remote.

Our new centre for science and enterprise will demystify and democratize science, providing inspirational opportunities to exchange ideas in a welcoming environment where debates and dialogue engage the whole community. We will create an institution that is both a passionate advocate and a critical friend of science and enterprise, making the subject accessible, fun and relevant to our visitors. It will be a source of inspiration, and it will make the people of Oxfordshire proud of the scientific achievements that have taken place here in the county.

What will the new centre look like?

We honestly don’t know yet. You can take a look at our gallery which will give you an idea of the scale of the site. What we do know is that when fully open, our new venue will be:
  • An amazing building that will bring 21st century architecture to Oxford’s liveliest new quarter
  • A visual symbol of high technology
  • A rendezvous for the culturally curious
  • An inspirational visitor attraction drawing hundreds of thousands of people to Oxford

The centre will become the place to go for science and enterprise. A window for the region’s research activities, it will showcase recent advances in science, and explore how the discoveries and inventions being made in our universities and commercial research laboratories will shape our lives.

What will be included in the new centre?

  • Domed Immersive Theatre
  • Interactive Science Gallery for children
  • Large flexible space which could be used for; Temporary exhibition space, Demonstration lab space, Workshop space for children and families, Small group presentation spaces.
  • Retail area
  • Café serving light food and drinks


Summary:

The Aim
To create a world class centre for science and enterprise in the heart of Oxford that will attract over 100,000 visitors a year.

The Timescale
We hope to open the doors within the next 5 years.

The Location
The development will be on the site of Macclesfield House in New Road, Oxford.

The Cost
This is a big project that will cost in the region of £30 million, of which £10 million has already been pledged.

Our Partners
We are working closely with a number of key organisations and individuals to make sure we get it right.