A new science and technology centre for children and families will be created in Scunthorpe with £2.5m 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 – adding to the award-winning arts and heritage exhibitions.
Cllr 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 to Scunthorpe.
“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 park and gardens, extending the wildlife haven in the heart of the town, expanding the space for families and nearby school children and connecting the venue to the outdoor space.
The church will also have a new eco-friendly climate control system installed opening the door to new exhibitions and displays.
This latest development is at the heart of a raft of schemes designed to radically transform the town centre by bringing more businesses and jobs, new homes and a rich cultural quarter using cash from the Towns Fund.
Holly Mumby-Croft, MP for Scunthorpe, is vice chair of the Towns Fund Board. She 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. It’s really exciting and I am looking forward to seeing the church transformed and a new science and technology centre developed.”
This latest cash is just part of the more than £80m of Government funding which has backed the council’s plans for creating a new future in North Lincolnshire. This includes cash for roads, new motorway junctions, enabling people to develop their skills and supporting communities.
Cash from the Towns Fund, Future High Streets, Levelling-Up, UK Shared Prosperity and through other Government departments comes alongside £75m for a new port development, £5m for the A15 enhancements, investment in the new university campus, tens of millions for education and the £200m plus paid to support jobs throughout the pandemic.
