Plans for a second Eureka! children’s museum on the waterfront have been submitted to Wirral Council.

The proposals are for an £11.75m world-class visitor attraction for six to 14-year-olds, with an additional area dedicated to the 0-5 years age group.

If approved, Eureka! Mersey would take over the buildings which currently house Seacombe ferry terminal and Spaceport.

The proposals include exhibits and activities designed to boost "STEAM" - Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths - skills in children and young people.

The Eureka! Mersey team are currently working with schools and youth organisations from across the Liverpool City Region to ensure that they create an attraction that is relevant to the region’s young people.

So far, more than 120 youngsters have been involved in designing exhibition content, working in partnership with key businesses including Ørsted, Unilever, Sci-tech Daresbury and Arup as well as Liverpool John Moores University.

Last year it was announced that Eureka! Mersey had been awarded £3m from the government’s Inspiring Science Fund bringing the plans closer to a 2022 opening.

Council cabinet member for culture and tourism Cllr Christine Spriggs said: “It’s incredibly exciting to see this project move on to another milestone.

“At the moment we have a number of developments moving apace at Wirral Waters.

“If this receives planning permission, I am sure it will become a huge focal point for the region and beyond and add yet another attraction to bring people to find out how much Wirral has to offer.”

Eureka's chief executive Leigh-Anne Stradeski said: “We could not be more excited about the prospect of opening a second Eureka! in Wirral.

"We have engaged extensively with stakeholders across Liverpool City Region in our planning thus far, including children and young people, businesses, academia, education, community and the cultural sector, and the level of engagement, enthusiasm and support has been absolutely incredible.

"We are hopeful of a positive decision on planning within the next few months.”

The scheme will now be formally consulted upon before being considered independently by the council’s planning committee, with a decision expected later this year.