Orlando Science Centre has revealed plans to move and significantly expand its KidsTown area, hoping to draw in a larger, more lucrative under-8s audience to the visitor attraction.

Currently, KidsTown resides on the building’s lower floor and is made up of hands-on exhibits, play rooms and the Orange Grove – an experience that lets kids "work" in one of Central Florida's most recognised industries.

Dubbed New KidsTown, the revamped version would move to the second floor of the science centre, occupying around 11,000sq ft (1,021sq m). Initial work is being funded from a US$2m (€1.5m, £1.2m) facility grant recently given by Orange County authorities.

In place of KidsTown on the first floor, the centre’s NatureWorks exhibit would be expanded into the 3,000sq ft (278sq m) space, while the New KidsTown will include a larger Orange Grove with new space for developing maths, organisational and co-operational skills; Art of Science area – a gallery for visitor-generated art and photography; Climb Time adventure area; a toddler play area for under-3s; Water Play – exhibits designed around the properties of water; a studio for hosting creative workshops; and finally an area to hold series of hands-on exhibits.

The full cost of the redevelopment is thought to be around US$4.5m (€3.4m, £2.7m), with New Kids Town tentatively scheduled to open in early 2016.