Magna
Science & Adventure Centre
Large injections, and yes probably ingestions as well, of cash have been used to transform the former Steel, Peech and Tozer steel works at Templeborough, Rotherham into a state of the art museum. Funnily enough if you have read the history pages this is the same steel works that was built over the Roman fort near Dead Man's Hollow. The museum is an interactive science adventure centre with four themed pavilions, two shows and an adventure playground. 2 for 1 vouchers available for use up to 31/08/2010 in voucher leaflet from Rotherham Visitor Centre.
Templeborough Steelworks
The Templeborough Steelworks was built in 1917, modified in the 1960's and became in the 1970's the largest foundry in Europe. It closed in 1993. The history of the Templeborough Steelworks can be found at The History of Rotherham >> Other History Pages >> The History Trade and Industry >> Steel, Peech and Tozer - Templeborough Steel Works.
The Transformation
The design of the new Magna makes full use of two massive 350 metres long, 35 metres tall bays that form the main cathedral-like shed, the interior of which is an awe-inspiring space with a scale only hinted at by the exterior. Pin holes in the cladding allow shafts of light to penetrate deep in to the dark interior.
The enormous nine-storey high transverse aisles form a striking entrance to the attraction, whilst inside artefacts from the original steel making process have been retained as evocative sculptures from the past. Only the old scrap and concast delivery bays, on the north side of the building, have been demolished. The main building has been retained, its steel structure displaying a patina of rust, heat and scorch marks, reminiscent of its past life.
Within the building, the original artefacts sit amongst the individually themed pavilions: earth, air, fire and water, each incorporating spectacular special effects, using the latest technology, to explore the four elements and the basic components of the steelmaking process. Lightweight walkways and bridges connect the exhibits horizontally with minimum intervention, whilst vertical access is provided via the refurbished transformer building.
The car park features the 'skeleton' of retained steel uprights of the crane rail supports and elements of the building's past, offering a dramatic three-dimensional backdrop to the sheer bulk of the main building. The new north elevation has been clad in profiled steel, matching the retained, black painted, cladding of the old building. The steelwork of the existing crane rails and hoppers is exposed.
Magna Science & Adventure Centre
Earth
The earth pavilion is a subterranean playground. It has a maze of tunnels and underground creatures - watch out for man-eating worms! You can handle a real JCB, shift rocks and heavy weights. There is also a rock face to explore.
Air
Air is a giant translucent airship suspended high above the ground. I can feel my stomach going heave already. Experience the force of a tornado, g-force and yes, for the Le Petomaine fans amongst you, fun with bodily wind. They must have heard the noise emanating from my tum.
Fire
Electricity, lightning, a fire tornado. Try out an electromagnetic crane, watch a blacksmith shape hot metal. Ah I can feel the warmth from here!
Water
Water, water everywhere and not a drop to drink! Games to play with water - don't much like the sound of the water cannons.
The Big Melt
The original arc furnace is the centre of a show recreating the making of molten steel.
The Face of Steel
The story of steel told through a multimedia exhibition.
Activities and Workshops
A variety of events for parents and children - at peak times only.
Tours and Demonstrations
Special tours and demonstrations - at peak times only.
Sci-Tek
In 2006 I notice on my Two for the Price of One Ticket that I have not yet used they are promoting Sci-Tek, a mind-blowing science and technology playground.
Aqua-Tek
Water based fun in the playground.
There are cafés, a restaurant, conference facilities and the inevitable gift shop available. Large car park. Steelworks tours at 10.40am (busy times only), 11.40am and 1.40pm (2007).
Review June 2007
On a very wet June afternoon, the sort of afternoon that puts the lie to Global Warming, the Pedant and I decided to use our two for one ticket and visit Magna. There were a couple of school parties when we arrived but other than that it was a very quiet day. There seems to be an unduly complicated system of ticket prices and the girl on the desk had no idea how to deal with our two-for-one ticket. The entry price was £9.95 which seems very steep to me or in Yorkshire "ow much?". We were glad we had the two for one ticket. There was also a lot of blether about gift tax which, frankly, I could not be bothered with.
We took the free Steelworks tour with John, an ex steel worker, and excellent it was too; informative, chatty and interesting. Also it helps your get your bearings as the inside of the old steelworks is vast and you could easily get lost. The Big Melt which recreates the feel of one of the firings of the arc furnace is every hour on the hour but is a pale imitation of the real thing.
Afterwards we spent a couple of hours exploring the various pavilions. I have to say here that most of Magna is subject to low level lighting and very trying it was for my old eyes. In places you can't read the information because there isn't enough light to read by and at some point where the lights were strobing I nearly fell. Also I have to say that we were very disappointed by the contents of the pavilions. A notable proportion of the equipment was damaged, broken and plain not working. I know that the place has now been open about five years and that things wear out but it is high time to up the maintenance budget.
On a better note the place is accessible throughout to wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Information
Address:- Magna Science and Adventure Centre, Sheffield Road, Templeborough, Rotherham S60 1DX. Tel. 44 (0)1709 720002. Fax. 44 (0)1709 820092. Website for more information, prices and events at www.visitmagna.co.uk.Magna is open 7 days a week from 10am to 5pm, Closed 24 - 27 December and 1 January and key dates through the year. Wear a coat in cold weather - it gets a bit parky. In fact I'd recommend you take a woolly pully with you whenever you go.
THERE MAY BE OFFERS - ASK FOR TWO FOR THE PRICE OF ONE