The Children's Science Center (CSC), an upcoming science centre in Sterling, Virginia, has received a US$10m (£7.5m, €8.9m) donation from the Northwest Federal Credit Union that will enable the centre to begin construction.

Expected to cost US$75m (£56.9m, €67.2), the CSC is reported to have raised 85 per cent of its overall goal, with funding from the state's General Assembly and the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors also committed to the project.

Situated on donated land on the Kincora development, a few miles north of the Dulles International Airport, the new centre will occupy 70,000sq ft (6,500sq m) and offer a number of innovative science and discovery experiences based on STEM topics, as well as a comprehensive programme of 'maker'-style exhibits.

It's expected to welcome more than 300,000 visitors per year and will act as an extension of the Science Museum of Virginia in Richmond and the nearby Children's Science Centre Lab at the Fair Oaks Mall in Fairfax.

Its concept was developed by Roto, a US-based creative consultancy and interdisciplinary design firm, in partnership with the CSC Board and executive team, with additional input from statewide advisors and officials from the Kincora development, as well as community members from Northern Virginia.

"Great science centres and museums are reflections of their communities, both as they exist and their aspirations for the future. Our plans reflect these hopes, dreams and ambitions " said officials from the centre.