THIS is the striking vision of a £35m science discovery centre in central Oxford.

Known as the Magnet, it is hoped that more than 150,000 visitors a year will visit the attraction next to the Castle Mound.

The plans, by leading architects Foster and Partners whose work includes the German Reichstag, were unveiled last year but have now been submitted for approval to Oxford City Council’s planning department.

Significant changes have been made to the designs, with the building’s height reduced by two metres.

And gaps have also been cut into the building to allow views of the Castle Mound from New Road, in response to demands from local conservationists.

Ian Griffin, chief executive at Science Oxford, said: “The Magnet will reinforce Oxford’s position at the heart of science and innovation in the UK while also generating jobs and income for the local area.

“Working together the Discovery and Innovation elements of the Magnet will provide education, inspiration and support for the long term benefit of Britain’s science economy.

“We’re proposing a world class building which reflects the spirit of discovery and innovation and enhances its historic setting close to Oxford Castle.”

If approved, the scheme will include the demolition of Macclesfield House, the 1960s building formerly housing the county education department, and more controversially the Oxford Register Office on the corner of Tidmarsh Lane and New Road.

Science Oxford, the charity behind the scheme, says if planning permission is granted, work could begin early in 2015, with a 2016 planned opening.

The Magnet, the UK’s first integrated Science Discovery and Innovation Centre, would serve as a showcase for science and technology expertise in Oxfordshire and the UK.

A world-class planetarium remains at the heart of the centre, which would also be a home to 50 local high-tech companies.

The Magnet would generate income of more than £128m in Oxford over the next 10 years and create more than 100 skilled jobs.

Some 30,000 school children a year would be expected to visit the range of displays, events and lectures promoting all forms of science.

So far, Science Oxford, formerly the Oxford Trust, has raised £10m towards the £35m Magnet.

The charity was set up in 1985 by Sir Martin and Lady Audrey Wood to encourage the study and application of science.

Oxfordshire Architectural and Historical Society had applied to get the 100-year-old Register Office building listed. Paul Brankin, chairman of Science Oxford, said: “The designs now show a two-storey visitor centre with three two-storey towers of offices above.

“The plans have been modified in light of the feedback.

“Culture Secretary Maria Miller rejected the application to list the register office, which has removed a potential obstacle.”