The Singapore Ministry of Education has held a ground-breaking ceremony for the new Science Centre located near the Chinese Garden mass rapid transit station in Jurong East, Singapore.

The event was held by the Science Centre Board.

The new centre will provide unique amenities and a diverse range of programmes to advance science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education in the country.

Zaha Hadid Architects designed the approximately 55,000m² facility in partnership with fellow designer architects 61.

Inspired by the natural landscape of the surrounding Jurong Lake Gardens, the building will be developed across a plot of approximately 7.4ha and will be made approximately 25% larger than the existing facility.

Science Centre Board CEO Lim Tit Meng said: “The Science Centre is now 46 years old, and during this journey of more than four decades, the locale has been a landmark for generations, inspiring countless individuals who are today some of Singapore’s best STEM talents.

“Through strategic community partnerships and innovative programme development, we aim to make the new Science Centre a place where guests of all backgrounds not only want to visit but leave with a heightened curiosity about the world of science and technology.”

Construction work is set to begin in the first half of next year, with the centre expected to open by the end of 2027.

It will be outfitted with advanced technology that allows visitors of all ages to engage in new learning experiences.

Specifically, the new KidsSTOP, which will be nearly double the size of the present version, will feature practical interactive exhibits.

Visitors will be able to engage with science displays alongside nature pathways, as well as appreciate and explore the encompassing forest with a scientific perspective.

The rooftop garden of the property meanwhile, above the easternmost block, will serve as a public event venue. In addition, at night, visitors may also experience stargazing at the site's Observatory.