PLANS for a £30m science museum in the shadow of Oxford’s historic Castle Mound were announced yesterday.

Science Oxford, which is behind the project, said it would attract more than 100,000 visitors a year.

Magnet is among the names being considered for the new attraction.

It will replace Macclesfield House, a 1960s office block, which used to house Oxfordshire County Council’s education department.

Science Oxford has already raised £10m and expects to open the centre within five years.

It will include the “Sphere”, a 150-seat theatre where an overhead domed screen will guide visitors through the world of science.

A digital planetarium is promised, along with three galleries, set to include a tour of science in Oxford from 13th century pioneer Roger Bacon through to the present day.

The charity bought the site from the council for £3.5m and also hopes to acquire the neighbouring Oxford Register Office.

Ian Griffin, chief executive of Science Oxford, said: “More than anything else, the visitor attraction will be a fun place to visit. The site is already superb for our purposes. It’s in close proximity to the successful Oxford Castle complex and within easy walking distance of both the railway and bus stations.”

Sir Martin Wood, founder of Oxford Instruments and patron of Science Oxford, said: “Oxford has many great museums but nothing specifically for engineering and construction.”

Architect Chris Connell, of Foster and Partners, said: “Our intention is to create a striking and innovative contemporary addition to the city’s rich architectural heritage, a landmark building that symbolises and embodies the possibilities of science and the future of technology.”

Public consultation workshops about the project will be held on December 6-8 at Science Oxford, in London Place, St Clement’s.

For full details, see scienceoxford.com/our-future