Renovated church to host £2.5m science and technology centre

A new science and technology centre for children and families will be created in Scunthorpe, with £2.5m worth of Government levelling-up cash confirmed.

Repairs to the walls, roof and exterior of St John’s Church will mean the whole building will become accessible and connected to the recently developed gardens in Church Square.

The creation of the even larger space for events and activities paves the way for ‘Discover@20-21’ a new centre where children and families will experience interactive science and technology activities.

Councillor Rob Waltham, leader, North Lincolnshire Council, said: “This work will restore one of our key heritage sites and a notable local landmark.

“It will be fantastic to see the hoardings finally come down and open this space up further for community events.

“This is the latest part of our plans which have been backed by millions of pounds of Government cash. Everything is designed around creating a new, different future for Scunthorpe town centre – the science and technology centre will be a major addition.

“We must create more reasons to come into town so people can have different experiences and leisure activities.

“That is what we are doing to create a new, modern, thriving place and the Government has shown its confidence in these projects with hard cash.”

The plans will be developed further if the council gets Listed Planning Consent.

Included will be further development of the nearby park and gardens, expanding the space for families and nearby school children and connecting the venue to the outdoor space.

The church will also have an eco-friendly climate control system installed, opening the door to new exhibitions and displays.

The development is at the heart of a raft of schemes designed to transform the town centre by bringing more businesses and jobs, new homes and a cultural quarter using cash from the Towns Fund.

Holly Mumby-Croft, MP for Scunthorpe, who is also vice chair of the Towns Fund Board, said: “There is no doubt that traders in high streets up and down the country are fighting hard to be part of a new future.

“These latest plans will reshape the experience people can have in the heart of the town, there will be more reasons for people to come along and that will mean more people shopping and spending money with local traders.

“The cash from Government is being used to develop a range of projects that connect people – physically and virtually – to jobs, culture, leisure and retail. I am looking forward to seeing the church transformed and a new science and technology centre developed.”