Magnificent Magna is a “sleeping giant”

Half-term will mark the first time the converted steelworks at Templeborough has opened the science centre side of its operations since last year.

Chief executive Kevin Tomlinson said: “Our position is as well as could be expected. Visitors will find Magna to be in its best state for probably four or five years.”

A post-lockdown push led to 22,000 visitors showing support last summer, which was followed by a £311,000 government grant to stave off a cash crisis as the big Christmas parties were cancelled.

And being among the borough’s largest buildings means there is no problem adhering to rules like social distancing.

“We were in as strong a position as we have been when the first lockdown occurred,” said Mr Tomlinson. “Then we had a really good summer, and then the funding.

“It has meant there’s been time for our team of two or three on maintenance to fix things. People will see a positive difference.

“Social distancing is not a problem for us. Hopefully, people are more relaxed and ready to come out and play in a way that’s as normal as possible.”

A dozen schools are booked for June and July, while more than 1,000 tickets have been sold for the Christmas parties — some 450 of which were deferred from 2020.

The music event organisers are desperate to be back at 6,000 in the big hall, but must have smaller capacities to start with.

“We have very loyal event customers, so we’re booked pretty much to New Year’s Eve on that side of things.

“We’re also meeting with Gulliver’s, for example, to work together.

“We don't believe we’re competing at all. There’s a lot of synergy.

“They have chalets and hotels, for people staying more than a day, so it makes sense to promote the other things that Rotherham has going for it, which is a hell of a lot.

“These are potentially exciting times but it depends on Boris Johnson, the announcements and what comes up next.”

It takes about two weeks to prepare the visitor attraction for opening following such a lengthy closure.

Looking further ahead, Magna is involved in planning the Tram Train stop with South Yorkshire Passenger Transport Executive.

Mr Tomlinson and his team have given feedback on initial designs, and the project is expected to be completed in 2023.

“There are environmental benefits of having park and ride here, and that will be for people going both ways between Sheffield and Rotherham.”

There is also an aim to improve the pedestrian links for those arriving by bus via Sheffield Road.

* Tickets for Magna can be purchased at www.visitmagna.co.uk. Opening times vary.

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