A new home for Halifax’s Discovery Centre complete with an Immersive Dome Theatre, the first of its kind that can be used to immerse the viewers into environments from under the ocean to among the stars is to be built on the Halifax waterfront.

Nova Scotia Premier Stephen McNeil and Conservative MP Peter MacKay were at the Discovery Centre today to announce funding from both levels of government. The new $18.5-million science centre will be built in the Nova Scotia Power building on Halifax’ waterfront. The Nova Scotia government is contributing $6 million while the federal government is adding another $3 million.

The centre currently leases space on Barrington Street. At its new home in the Nova Scotia Power building, it will not have to pay rent — Emera, the parent company of Nova Scotia Power, is contributing the space rent-free for at least 25 years. A space of 40,000 square feet it will double the existing home of the centre.

On hand for the announcement and to emcee the press conference was RASC youth member, Nathan Gray. While his older sister Kathryn watched on, Nathan welcomed all in attendance and introduced the speakers, closing with an invite for all to join for refreshments and review the many display boards of what the future centre will look like.