North Lincolnshire Council has secured listed building consent for alterations to St John’s Church in Scunthorpe, moving forward with plans for a £2.5m children’s science and technology centre. The new facility, called Discover@20-21, will be located next to the 20-21 Visual Arts Centre and is set to open later this year, thanks to funding from the Government’s Towns Fund.
The centre will feature interactive digital displays and exhibits designed to engage young audiences with STEAM subjects (science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics). Among the planned installations is a projector system that will create digital artwork based on these themes, which visitors will be able to control with the push of a button.
To accommodate large-scale exhibits and light-sensitive displays, such as Luke Jerram’s “Museum of The Moon,” the church will also undergo modifications including the installation of retractable lighting and blackout blinds. These improvements will reduce the need for costly external hires and high-level access equipment, making it easier to host significant exhibitions.
The project aims to boost local tourism by attracting more visitors to the area and support community regeneration. St John’s Church, a former place of worship, has served as an arts venue since the early 2000s. Renovations are ongoing, with repairs to the building expected to conclude in late 2024.
