Steve Rotheram has welcomed the inclusion of two Liverpool City Region science centres in a £13m Inspiring Science Fund designed to deliver science learning and engagement opportunities to young people across the country.

The Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy yesterday announced that the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Halton would receive £754,600 to help launch their Catalyst for a future generation project while Eureka! Mersey has received £3m to support a 21st century science and discovery centre for 0-14 year olds at the existing Spaceport attraction.

Steve Rotheram, Metro Mayor of the Liverpool City Region, welcomed the news of the investment saying:

“It is fantastic that two city region science centres have received such a substantial share of the government’s Inspiring Science Fund. Inspiring our young people – particularly girls – to pursue careers in STEM is a long-term ambition of the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and integral to our Local Industrial Strategy

“Eureka! has been a huge success in Halifax instilling excitement and interest in science, technology, engineering and maths. I’m sure it will help attract visitors to the Wirral as well as encouraging our next generation to look at STEM subjects.

“Likewise, the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in in Widnes has been inspiring future scientists in our city region for over 30 years and this additional funding will help ensure it can continue to do so for decades to come”

Cllr Eddie Jones, Halton Borough Council’s portfolio holder for Economic Development, says:

“This funding is great news for Halton and the city region. The Council and Catalyst worked closely on the bid and will continue to do so going forward. We look forward to the development of this exciting project aimed at inspiring local residents to discover and rediscover science.

“It is important for the future of the borough’s economy that more of our young people look to a career in science and technology and we will be encouraging them to get involved in the project.”

Cllr Phil Davies, leader of Wirral Council and Liverpool City Region lead for economic development and culture, said:

“Eureka! is a vote of confidence in our city region and an extraordinary opportunity to bring another world-class attraction to the waterfront, adding a unique brand to the broad range of activities already on offer.

“This new attraction will act as a powerful catalyst for regeneration of Seacombe and the surrounding area, and I have no doubt that its novel approach to learning will inspire future generations across Liverpool City Region and the North West of England.

“The development of Eureka! Mersey will help support our efforts to encourage more young people to learn the skills they will need in the future, bring new businesses to the city region and help grow our local economy.”

Eureka! Mersey

Eureka! Mersey has received £3m funding to extend their discovery-based approach for children and young people across the Liverpool City Region. Eureka! Mersey will be a £11 million reinvention of the existing Spaceport attraction, creating a 21st century science and discovery centre for 0-14 year olds. The Liverpool City Region Combined Authority will look at avenues to support this project.

Catalyst Science Centre

Catalyst Science centre in Widnes has received £754,600 to help launch their “Catalyst for a future generation” project. exploring ground-breaking thinking about the relationship between science and wellbeing. Involving the community and local partners in the design of our spaces and exhibits, Catalyst will inspire a future generation of scientists across the north west and beyond.