The Liberty Science Center in Jersey City has announced plans for a US$230m (€204.6m, £153.5m) expansion of its campus to include a new science and technology facility adjacent to the existing building.

Dubbed SciTech Scity, the 16-acre (64,700sq m) addition to the science centre will include a technology business incubator, biotech and coding labs plus a grade school with a focus on STEM. There will also be a 135-bedroom science-themed hotel and residences for 275 people. The new campus will act as not only a visitor attraction, but also as an education and research area for students and leaders in the field of science and technology.

“The city designating this land to Liberty Science Center is a major departure from past practices of selling property to private developers,” said city mayor, Steven Fulop.

“This is a great project for both Jersey City and the State of New Jersey. It speaks to our commitment to the Science Center that we would take such a significant step designate them, and we now will assist in a projected US$80m (€71.1m, £53.4m) capital raising initiative. The city taking this first step is significant financially."

The Jersey City Redevelopment Agency (JCRA) board voted unanimously to designated the Liberty Science Center as redeveloper of the property – valued at US$20m (€17.8m, £13.4m) – and the Center will now begin the process of seeking corporate partners and finalising concept plans for the site.