“I believe it is our collective responsibility as a society to seek ways to address positively children’s development and to foster their mental and social well-being. One important way to do this is to encourage learning through play, a true challenge in an era in which screen-based, passive entertainment comprises a large part of children’s play experiences.
A Children’s Museum in London will be a place of energy and engagement, stimulation and discovery, exploration and dreams. Please join with me in supporting this fantastic, positive step for our young children.”
Baroness Susan Greenfield, CBE
Director for the Institute for the Future of the Mind, Oxford University and Patron of Eureka!
How it all began
In 2003 a group of people began laying the foundation for a Children's Museum in the capital and in 2005 the London Children’s Museum charity was formed. Through their dedication and effort a world class site has been identified at King's Cross, feasibility studies have been undertaken and funding raised for the project to begin. In 2008 the London Children's Museum joined forces with Eureka! and with our expertise and project management skills, the vision of a world class destination with play and learning at its core can now be delivered. What is a Children's Museum?
A world class visitor attraction
Our vision is to create a large scale Children’s Museum that reflects London’s diversity and complexity, addresses the challenges of childhood and brings families together to play and learn in an environment created specifically for that purpose.
It will be developed through consultation and key partnerships and will include key themes and issues that reflect the multicultural world of the 21st century child including creativity, science, the environment, sustainability, citizenship and technology. Read more about the social context...
It will access a market of over 2 million children aged 0-11, including 700,000 London primary school children, as well as the new markets opened up by the rail links with Paris and Brussels.
A world class location
A potential site has been identified in the new King's Cross development that provides a fantastic location at the heart of a regeneration area. The site is a major transport hub and includes St Pancras, a gateway to Europe, as well as, 25 large office buildings, 20 new streets, 10 new major public spaces, the renovation of 20 historic buildings and up to 2000 homes and apartments.
A key part of the Kings Cross development is to create a “Children’s Cluster” that promotes social integration and an environment that is safe and harmonious. Eureka! London would be a key element of this Cluster, housed in the Grade 2 listed, former Midland Goods Shed.
“We are delighted that Eureka! is considering coming to King's Cross. Not only should it be a national and international attraction it will also be very accessible to local children, teachers and parents, many of whom have multiple disadvantages placed upon their learning and social environment.”
Roger Madelin CBE, Joint Chief Executive, Argent Group PLC
More information about the site can be found at www.argentkingscross.com
Moving Forward
A Director for the London project has now been appointed. If you would like any information about the plans for London, or would like to know how you could get involved, please contact Eureka! London Director Simone Crofton.
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