Science Oxford launches £30million innovation centre

"Our plan is to give Oxford a public face for science and enterprise and to create a major tourist destination," said Dr Ian Griffin, chief executive of the charity. "The science centre will showcase inspiring discoveries and inventions that will bring the excitement of science to young and old alike." Dr Griffin also noted the importance of helping start up companies in industry. "Innovative, early stage companies are more crucial than ever to our economy and they will benefit from a supportive environment with access to the funding and advice they need to help them to grow," he said. The 25,000ft² centre is due to open in 2015 and is envisaged as a 'world class' facility showcasing cutting edge science and technology, particularly from the Oxfordshire ecosystem. The centre is being designed by architect Foster + Partners and will host a suite of interactive galleries, a digital planetarium and a public plaza.