Eureka targets March 2022 for Wirral opening

Spaceport at Mersey Ferries’ Seacombe terminal has closed its doors in order to make way for its redevelopment within the £12m Eureka Mersey project, with a contractor due to be announced in the coming weeks.

The space exploration-themed attraction has been based at the terminal since 2005, and will be converted into Eureka, a science and discovery centre aimed at young people and families.

Announced in July, Eureka Mersey will be the sister site to the museum’s main base in Halifax. Last year, the scheme was awarded £6.6m from the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and received planning consent from Wirral Council in October.

According to Eureka, a main contractor and start date is to be announced in the coming weeks. The project would see the listed building refurbished and exhibition space built within the ferry terminal. Eureka is also searching for an exhibition architect to create “a new concept in visitor attractions”, according to tender documents.

Leigh-Anne Stradeski, Eureka’s chief executive, said: “All across the country, Science and Discovery Centres are engaging with children and young people to share and explore the relevance of science to their lives and their futures.

“In the Liverpool City Region, Spaceport has been an important part of this for many years and its legacy will live on through the memories and future choices of its visitors. Eureka is very proud to be taking up this mantle with the planned opening in 2022 of Eureka Mersey.”

Walker Sime is advising Eureka as employer’s agent.