The Queen opens Millennium Point

The Queen has officially opened Millennium Point, the new science, technology and learning centre in Birmingham's Eastside, during a visit to the city as part of her Golden Jubilee tour.

The Queen unveiled a plaque at the building on 2 July, and toured the Thinktank science museum, which has been open to the public since last September.

Inspiring the next generation

In a short speech, the Queen said she had no doubt that Millennium Point would be used to inspire the next generation who will shape the technology and industry of tomorrow. She also spoke of the region's central role in the industrial revolution.

Crowds gathered outside the building to catch a glimpse of the Queen as she arrived.

What Millennium Point offers

Millennium Point cost more than £110 million and was part-funded by the Millennium Commission, using money from the National Lottery. It is one of the largest Millennium projects outside London.

The building houses Thinktank, the city's new science museum, which replaced the old Museum of Science and Industry in Newhall Street. Its collections include the Smethwick Engine, believed to be the oldest working steam engine in the world, and many other objects from Birmingham's industrial past.

Millennium Point is also home to an IMAX cinema, the largest screen in the region, and to the University of the First Age, which runs learning programmes for young people. The Technology Innovation Centre, run by the University of Central England, is also based in the building.

Regenerating Eastside

Millennium Point is the first major building in the city's plans to regenerate Eastside, an area of former industrial land to the east of the city centre. The demolition of the Masshouse Circus flyover, which began in March, will better connect the area to the city centre.

A masterplan for Eastside sets out plans for new homes, offices, education and leisure facilities, and a new central library designed by Richard Rogers has also been proposed for the area.

The Jubilee tour

The Queen's visit to Birmingham is part of a tour of the country to mark 50 years since she came to the throne in 1952. She has been visiting towns and cities across the United Kingdom, meeting local people and opening new buildings.

During her visit to Birmingham, the Queen also visited Centenary Square, where crowds turned out to welcome her.

The Golden Jubilee celebrations reached a peak last month with a weekend of events in London, including concerts at Buckingham Palace, in which Birmingham's own Ozzy Osbourne performed.

For the people of Birmingham, the visit was a chance to celebrate the Jubilee and to show off one of the city's newest landmarks.