Magna's Earth Pavilion reopens with £1.9 million Levelling Up funding

The upgrade follows the attraction’s Air Pavilion reopening in April, with £1.9 million of Levelling Up cash secured via RMBC, with about £400,000 of match-funding from Magna.

Rotherham MP Sarah Champion was the guest of honour who opened the refurbished Earth section of the venue.

It gives youngsters the chance to discover dinosaur relics and navigate their way through lava beds through interactive exhibits using technology.

A new terraforming feature overlays digital images over sand, allowing visitors to shape the space’s mountains, rivers and open spaces.

The old JCB diggers, rock sorters and exploding quarry face have been given a makeover.

Ms Champion MP said: “Magna is one of Rotherham’s most popular tourist destinations and has been a family favourite for many years.

“It is also an important reminder of our industrial heritage and the power of nature.

“It is a truly unique place and one which is enjoyed by thousands across Rotherham, South Yorkshire and beyond every year.

“The works undertaken at Magna will help to inspire and nurture the hopes and dreams of the next generation, whilst also providing a much-needed boost to the town’s leisure and tourism offer, which will ultimately contribute towards driving economic growth and job creation.”

Sections of Magna - once home to Steel, Peech and Tozer - are divided into the four elements. The Air Pavilion was completed in the spring, with pedal powered airships, and pump-powered rockets.

Improved accessibility has also been a focus, with the addition of modern disabled loos and the replacement of more than 600 fluorescent tubes in the red hall.

Outside, more than 350sq metres of plastic has been recycled as safety flooring in the adventure playground.

Magna chief executive Kevin Tomlinson said: “The launch of our new Earth Pavilion marks a significant milestone in the extensive renovation works that has been undertaken at Magna as a result of the support we’ve received through the Levelling Up Fund.

“We have introduced new displays that combine immersive, interactive play alongside some truly unique and innovative exhibits, which can be enjoyed by children of all ages.”