A children’s science centre has been proposed as part of a larger US$1.2bn (€1.1bn, £823m) bioscience and technology hub in Valhalla, New York State.
The mega science complex in the US, known as the Westchester BioScience & Technology Center, will include the Children’s Living Science Center as part of its community-focused development. Though few details have been released so far, the centre is expected to cover 34,000sq ft (3,200sq m) and will provide children with a personal awareness of health issues.
As a wider development, the science and technology hub will further the county of Westchester’s ambition to be a leader in “the innovation economy”. County officials say the property will be leased to a developer for a period of 99 years, with estimates the hub would generate US$9m (€8.2m, £6.2m) a year in property taxes and US$7m (€6.4m, £4.8m) in rent to Westchester.
The complex, designed by architects Torti Gallas & Partners, will cover 3 million sq ft (279,000sq m) and will be around two-thirds biotech and research space. Additional properties will include the Children’s Living Science Center, a 100,000sq ft (9,300sq m) hotel, shops and restaurants.
A construction date has not been set, with a lease due to be sent to the county Board of Legislators this month.
