After a failed attempt to get US$12m (€10.5m, £7.8m) from the Orange County Commission last year for a major overhaul of facilities, Orlando Science Center has produced a new phased funding and development approach with emphasis on private donors in an attempt to win funding when the budget is reviewed in this July.

With the entire renovation of the science centre valued at around US$35m (€30.7m, £22.7m) and requiring around 5-7 years of fundraising to complete, the initial phase of development would cost around US$5m (€4.4m, £3.2m). The centre’s director, JoAnn Newman, and county administrator, Ajit Lalchandani, recently met about the new plan, with the administrator welcoming the new approach.

The first phase of redevelopment would see an expansion of the centre’s childhood offering KidsTown, with those parts being moved to the second floor. The centre already has commitments for US$3.4m (€3m, £2.2m), with the majority coming from private donors. Dubbed New KidsTown, the revamped version would occupy around 11,000sq ft (1,021sq m).

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. There will also be 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 hands-on exhibits.

First established in 1955, the centre draws around 400,000 visitors annually. The 207,000sq ft (19,200sq m) facility opened the existing building in 1997, increasing its size sixfold. Following the initial redevelopment, the centre is planning a complete overhaul of facilities at the attraction over the course of several years.

Orlando Science Centre plans US$4.5m KidsTown expansion