News: Wuthering Heights sees Rotherham back on the big screen

More recognition, exposure and prestige is being garnered by Rotherham as it once again provides the filming location for another big screen blockbuster, reports Visit Rotherham.

A 2026 reimagining of Emily Brontë’s classic, Wuthering Heights trades traditional gothic gloom for a provocative, synth-pop-infused fever dream and was filmed across various breathtaking locations, many in Yorkshire.

Some scenes were captured in Kent, such as at Knole Park, a medieval deer park in Sevenoaks, and on the dramatic moorlands of the Yorkshire Dales - including Swaledale and Bridestones Moor, and the villages of Reeth and Low Row. Visit Rotherham reports that a couple of key scenes were filmed here in Rotherham.

The Needle's Eye is one of a number of follies surrounding Wentworth Woodhouse, a magnificent Grade I listed mansion that has itself provided the backdrop to a number of big screen productions.

On a former avenue to Wentworth Park's North Lodge, The Needle's Eye is a pyramid structure pierced by a narrow, ogee carriage arch.

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For Wuthering Heights, this is where a young Cathy and Heathcliff take shelter from the rain in childhood, and where they reunite as adults, played by Robbie and Elordi, to confess their love for each other. It's where Heathcliff utters the line: "So kiss me and let us both be damned."

Production trucks and fake rain machines were spotted in the area last year.

Talking to Cosmopolitan, Aurelia Thomas, Supervising Location Manager for Wuthering Heights, said: "It was a process finding that, because it needed to feel like a bit of a landmark, that the children rush to in the rain, and then the adults go back to. So we shot in Kent, and then we travelled, this travelling circus of trucks, up to South Yorkshire."

Wentworth Woodhouse has previously stood in for the Royal Academy in London for Mike Leigh's Mr Turner. And for Oscar winning feature film, Darkest Hour, the Whistlejacket room was used as interior of Buckingham Palace. The famous Marble Saloon also played host to the Downton Abbey movie.

Wuthering Heights is also not the first film to choose a Wentworth folly either. For example, Hoober Stand became "Santa's magic postbox" in the 2014 British Christmas comedy film, Get Santa, starring Jim Broadbent and Stephen Graham.

Wentworth Woodhouse website

Images: Warner Bros.

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News: Council endorses Magna finance package

Councillors in Rotherham have endorsed the plan to restructure outstanding Council loans that will enable The Magna Science Adventure Centre to have a more secure future.

Set in the former Templeborough steelworks, Magna is a family attraction with more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Millions of pounds have been invested in conference facilities at the centre which is operated by a charity, the Magna Trust.

In January, Rotherham Council's interim chief executive approved an immediate £100,000 loan after the Magna Trust identified a potential cash shortfall. In February, the Council's cabinet were also asked to approve a new loan facility of up to £250,000 to start on April 1 2015, taking the total available for the year to £350,000.

That decision was deferred with independent consultants, PwC being appointed to undertake a review of Magna's business, to help to strengthen the Magna business plan and to assess the future viability of Magna and to give some assurances moving forward.

The decision was "called in" by opposition members for further scrutiny and was recently brought back to a full council meeting where a full, frank and frictious discussion was held on the options available. Commissioner managing director, Stella Manzie has recently made the minded to decision on the issue but the Council's endorsement was being sought.

The PwC review of Magna was a confidential item on the agenda but the business was described as "fragile." If the Council were to withdraw support it would likely to go into administration or liquidation, placing 80 staff at risk of redundancy and leaving the Council at further risk as they would be placed amongst other potential creditors.

Magna's business plan for the period 2015-2020 includes the strategy to maintain and build on the existing business model, as a visitor attraction and conferencing and events venue. The operators say that they have several projects in the pipeline and have been talking to hotel developers about possible development on the site.

Magna successfully reached completion on the sale of part of the car park for £300,000 in March. Following this, Magna repaid some £160,000 to the Council, with the result that it now has outstanding loans of £440,000. This is made up of a £190,000 long term loan and the £250,000 short term loan.

Options for the Council, who had already made it clear that it didn't want to see Magna close its doors, included calling in the two outstanding loans - a move which would likely plunge Magna into administration, write off the short term loan, restructure the short term loan, or restructure the two loans, totalling £440,000. An option from the opposition group included providing a £2m loan to Magna.

It was agreed that the work would be undertaken to wrap the two Magna loans together as secured loans with a structured repayment plan on the combined loans over a period of ten to 15 years, with flexibility around earlier repayments.

One issue for the Council is the fact that the loans are secured only against the offices fronting Sheffield Road, which are not worth as much as they once were.

The issue of leases and a inter-creditor deed is also complex. The Council is set to work with Magna's legal advisers, DLA Piper, to make changes to the inter-creditor deed to remove all parties, other than the Council. This will enable the Council to secure all its loans against the property.

Officers at the Council will also assist the Trust in identifying and securing commercial and funding opportunities (including the underutilised land and property) to develop the business and strengthen its financial and operating position.

The report added that if there is a significant deterioration in Magna's trading position, the Council could revert to considering calling in the loans or writing off the £250,000 loan in part or full.

Magna website

Images: Magna

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News: Magna looks to future

Rotherham Council is looking to restructure the debt currently owed by the operators of Magna Science Adventure Centre.

Set in the former Templeborough steelworks, Magna is a family attraction with more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Millions of pounds have been invested in conference facilities at the centre which is operated by a charity, the Magna Trust.

In January, Rotherham Council's interim chief executive approved an immediate £100,000 loan after the Magna Trust identified a potential cash shortfall. The council's then cabinet were subsequently asked to approve a new loan facility of up to £250,000 to start on April 1 2015, taking the total available for the year to £350,000.

The decision was deferred pending an independent consultant being appointed to undertake a review of Magna's business, to help to strengthen the Magna business plan and to assess future viability.

With the review undertaken, the Council is putting forward a proposal that will mean no new money for the tourist attraction, but will enable Magna to pay back its current debt over a period of years.

Magna has outstanding loans to the Council of £440,000. This is made up of a £190,000 long term loan which is secured against a building and a £250,000 short term loan which has previously had to be renewed annually.

A proposal, to be agreed at a full council meeting next month, will mean a structured repayment plan on the combined loans over a period of ten to 15 years, with flexibility around earlier repayments.

Cllr. Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, said: "None of us wants to see Magna close its doors. Such a closure would see as many as eighty people lose their jobs, the Council would inevitably have to write off hundreds of thousands of pounds of debt currently owed by Magna, and in all likelihood we would be left with the costs of maintaining the former industrial site.

"But – as I have said before – neither can we afford to see more and more public money going into Magna. By working with the trustees to restructure the Council's debts and make repayment manageable, we will keep this popular visitor attraction open and maximise the opportunity for the taxpayer to see the loans returned to the Council."

John Silker, chief executive of Magna Trust, said: "The future of Magna is looking bright. Our event bookings are up by 14% this year and are on target to top £1m. We get bookings from all over the country. For example we recently hosted conferences for Wickes and Volkswagen.

"Our visitor numbers are holding steady and each year we host about 30,000 school children on educational visits.

"Since I took over in 2013 the plan has been to cut the need to borrow money and we are confident that we will be in a position to stand on our own two feet going forward.

"We very much appreciate the ongoing support of Rotherham Council and we continue to work closely with them as we move in to an exciting future.

"We have several projects in the pipeline, to continue to develop Magna as landmark venue; create jobs and bring investment into the area. For example we have been talking to hotel developers about possible development on the site.

"What many people don’t realise is that, unlike many other attractions, galleries and museums, we do not receive grants which we can keep. Instead we pay back money we borrow at commercial rates of interest and we will continue to pay that money back to Rotherham Council.

"As a giant former steelworks Magna is a true cathedral to industry and an important part of the region's industrial heritage."

One issue for the Council is the fact that the loans are secured only against the offices fronting Sheffield Road, which are not worth as much as they once were. The issue of leases and a inter-creditor deed is also complex. Parties on the deed include the Big Lottery, the Government, Yorkshire Forward, Lombard Property Facilities Limited, and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The Council, which has identified the need to save £41m from its budget over the next three years, is one of three members of the Magna Trust, together with the Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and The Stadium Group, the developers of Meadowhall and Parkgate Shopping, brought in at the start to add weight to the Millennium Project.

Magna website

Images: Magna

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News: New website to showcase Rotherham tourism

A website acting as the new official visitor guide for Rotherham has been officially launched.

www.VisitRotherham.com aims to bring together information for people wanting to visit the area, inform Rotherham residents of interesting places to visit that they may not have considered before and provide a resource for businesses who may receive requests for recommended places to visit in the area.

Featuring information on events, attractions, hotels, retail and restaurants, support for Visit Rotherham is provided by Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and Rotherham Metropolitan Borough Council.

The website was officially launched by Councillor Maggi Cark, Mayor of Rotherham at the Carlton Park Hotel. Launching the site, the mayor said: "This is a perfect opportunity to show the real Rotherham and the great things that we have to offer the people. The support that has been received for the people who are making this happen in our town is outstanding."

Mark Hannigan, operations manager at Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce added: "This is something not only for visitors to our town, but for everyone in Rotherham to know what's going on and what they can do. The site is going from strength to strength every day. I would urge everyone to have a look at the site and see what it can offer."

The website has been designed by Rotherham enterprise, Castus.

Castus was established in 2005 and moved into RiDO's Matrix @ Dinnington business centre when it opened in 2009. With a team of developers, designers and project managers, the firm has a varied portfolio of websites, apps and online stores with local, national and international clients. It has won a number of industry awards for its work.

The visitor economy is a key part of the recently approved Rotherham Growth Plan with the potential Gulliver's Valley theme park at Rother Valley and the Yorkshire Man of Steel picked out as priority projects.

Visit Rotherham website

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News: Inspiring Yorkshire Business Event

The Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham is launching its very own business networking exhibition - The Inspiring Yorkshire Business Event.

Set in the former Templeborough steelworks, Magna is a family attraction with more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Millions of pounds have been invested in conference facilities at the centre which plays host to nationally important music events, boxing, corporate launches and award ceremonies.

In 2014, Magna hosted the Yorkshire International Business Convention (YIBC), a leading business event in continental Europe. It was hailed as a success by the organisers and was set to come back this year.

Now, the award-winning venue has announced that The Inspiring Yorkshire Business Event will be held in the Big Hall on February 18.

It is set to include stalls for more than 100 businesses, as well as expert workshops, seminars and speakers. Organisers say that more than 20 businesses have already signed up to exhibit. High profile speakers are expected to join the line-up.

John Silker, chief executive at Magna, said: "We have a very proud history of running major trade shows and exhibitions that attract thousands of visitors here at Magna. These are organised by the companies themselves and we thought it was about time that we organised our own business event in an effort to help businesses across the region.

"There are some amazing businesses, but many are unaware of each other or what they can offer. So coming to Magna, with its huge capacity, will give them the chance to network with more than 100 different companies in one day – bringing many mutual benefits. It will be a fantastic opportunity for both them and us."

Over the years Magna has hosted conferences for blue chip companies such as Mercedes Benz, Honda, HSBC and Royal Mail. It has also hosted events ranging from cosplay conventions and wedding fairs to the Olympic torch relay and a BBC Philharmonic Orchestra concert. It can cater for up to 5,000 people.

Rotherham Council is still considering whether to continue to make financial support available for the venue. Consultants at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) have completed a review of Magna's business, to help to strengthen the Magna business plan and to assess the future viability of Magna and to give some assurances moving forward.

Magna website

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News: Magna appoints new apprentices

The Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham has taken on four apprentices to help with growing demand on the corporate side of the business.

Set in the former Templeborough steelworks, Magna is a family attraction with more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Millions of pounds have been invested in conference facilities at the centre which is operated by a charity, the Magna Trust.

The four, who are working in the office, at live events and in the kitchen, are also spending one day a week at Rotherham College as part of their apprenticeships.

John Silker, chief executive of Magna (pictured, centre), said: "We are very much part of the South Yorkshire business community here, so it made sense to offer apprenticeships to help get young people into employment.

"And what is so great is that we need such a wide range of skills to run Magna, so we can offer apprenticeships in such diverse areas."

One of the apprentices, 17 year old Molly Charlesworth, who is on an intermediate apprenticeship in business administration, said: "I am really busy, but it really is great fun and I am learning so much too. And the best thing is that everyone has made me so welcome."

Molly, who is from Barnsley and a former Horizon Community College student, is working with the corporate sales team.

The others, who are joining the 70 or so staff at Magna, are Amelia Round, aged 17, who is doing an advanced apprenticeship in live events and promotions; Alex Torr, aged 18, who is doing an advanced apprenticeship in engineering, and 20-year-old Lewis Cross, who is doing an intermediate apprenticeship in professional cookery.

Charlie Grayson, senior business consultant at Rotherham College (pictured, left), said: "It's brilliant that places like Magna give young people a chance to work and learn in a real environment.

"And you can see that the young people are enjoying the work because they are so enthusiastic."

Upcoming events at the Rotherham include boxing promoter, Denis Hobson's latest promotion live on Spike TV; the popular Fear Fest dance event; the TRAM Conference & Exhibition aimed at the global aerospace industry; and the Local Employment Advisory Forum (LEAF) that will highlight local career and skills development opportunities.

Magna website
Rotherham College website

Images: Magna

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News: Rotherham to host global advanced manufacturing conference

The Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham is to host the global metalworking industry's premier aerospace conference, TRAM 2015.

Presented by University of Sheffield's Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) with Boeing, the Association for Manufacturing Technology, Gardner Business Media and the Royal Aeronautical Society, the conference programme is collaboration between industry, academia and the media, spotlighting the latest trends in aerospace manufacturing.

The AMRC started TRAM in 2009 as a means of transferring advanced manufacturing technologies to business leaders and engineers in the aerospace supply chain. Since then, TRAM, which stands for Trends in Advanced Machining, Manufacturing and Materials, has taken place alongside the International Manufacturing Technology Show (IMTS) in Chicago. It is back in the UK this November offering the most relevant insight from top executives, professors and engineers on the cutting edge of research and development.

Based on the Advanced Manufacturing Park (AMP) in Rotherham, the AMRC is a world-class centre for innovative research and focuses on advanced machining and materials research. It is a partnership between industry and academia, which has become a model for research centres worldwide.

Adrian Allen, commercial director at The AMRC, said: "We are delighted to be able to bring this prestigious event back to the Sheffield region.

"TRAM will not only give companies in the aerospace supply chain a vital insight into developing technologies, it also gives this region a chance to showcase the skills and capabilities that make it a world leader for advanced manufacturing."

John Silker, chief executive at Magna, added: "We are very excited that the organisers have chosen Magna to hold this major international conference. It's a fantastic opportunity to prove that Magna can attract international business to South Yorkshire, and it shows that we have a venue here that can cater for business events of this scale. It shows that this area is at the forefront of modern manufacturing and what better place to hold such an event but at Magna which is a cathedral to industry."

Set in the former Templeborough steelworks, Magna is a family attraction with more than 100 hands-on exhibits. It also hosts regular school trips and has unique event space that can cater for anything from five to 5,000 people.

Taking place on November 10 and 11, TRAM 2015 has already secured speakers from the likes of Rolls-Royce, Boeing, Siemens and BAE Systems.

TRAM 2015 website

Images: Magna

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News: Magna's untapped potential

Magna has appointed a new marketing manager as part of its corporate team to lead on commercial development and new partnerships.

Set in the former Templeborough steelworks, Magna is a family attraction with more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Millions of pounds have been invested in conference facilities at the centre which is operated by a charity, the Magna Trust.

Dan Tupling, who ran his own events company before moving to Magna, said: "I'm delighted to be joining Magna, and it's a really exciting time to be coming on board.

"There is a lot of untapped potential on the commercial front and we are hoping to develop new partnerships which benefit the organisation."

Dan, who lives in Clifton, Rotherham, will also be developing seasonal events at Magna, to rival its famous Christmas parties.

As well as being a corporate venue, Magna is an award-winning visitor attraction, with more than 100 hands-on exhibits designed to explore the four elements of air, water, earth and fire. Nearly 100,000 people enjoying the visitor attraction each year.

The conference facilities were showcased on live TV this weekend with boxing promoter, Denis Hobson, putting on his second televised event at the Rotherham venue this year. Both of which have been shown live on Spike TV.

This month also sees HorrorCon UK 2015 coming to Magna over two days with the aim to unite all fans of the horror genre, whether through literature, TV, film or gaming.

Donna Shaw, marketing co-ordinator at Magna, said: "It's great to have a brand new convention coming to South Yorkshire, and everyone at Magna is looking forward to seeing people dressed up in what is set to be a great day.

"It just shows what a versatile venue Magna is, that we can host everything from HorrorCon to business meetings and conferences."

Operators have recently submitted a business plan to Rotherham Council as the venue identifies potential income opportunities that would reduce its reliance on the Council. The local authority, which is considering whether to continue to provide a £250,000 annual loan as they have done each year since 2012, has sought assurances over providing further financial support.

In January, Rotherham Council's interim chief executive approved an immediate £100,000 loan after the Magna Trust identified a potential cash shortfall. The council's cabinet were also recently asked to approve a new loan facility of up to £250,000 to start on April 1 2015, taking the total available for the year to £350,000.

The Council's accounts for 2014.15 show that: "A loan for £300,000 was issued to the Magna Trust in 2006/07 and of this £190,000 was still outstanding as at 31 March 2015. The Council issued to Magna a short term loan of £250,000 during 2014/15. This was outstanding as at the 31 March 2015.

"Magna were provided with an additional £100,000 loan facility in January 2015. £75,000 was drawn down in respect of this facility, which was repaid in full in March 2015. In addition, an amount of £78,081 drawn down from the £80,000 facility made available within 2013/14, was also repaid in full in March 2015."

Magna website

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News: Magna submits business plan

External consultants are to examine a business plan from the operators of Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham to give Rotherham Council assurances over providing further financial support.

Set in the former Templeborough steelworks, Magna is a family attraction with more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Millions of pounds have been invested in conference facilities at the centre which is operated by a charity, the Magna Trust.

In January, Rotherham Council's interim chief executive approved an immediate £100,000 loan after the Magna Trust identified a potential cash shortfall. The council's cabinet were also recently asked to approve a new loan facility of up to £250,000 to start on April 1 2015, taking the total available for the year to £350,000.

That decision was deferred pending an independent consultant being appointed to undertake a review of Magna's business, to help to strengthen the Magna business plan and to assess the future viability of Magna and to give some assurances moving forward.

Professional services network, PwC has been appointed by the council to undertake a review of Magna's five year plan at a cost of £12,000. Terms of reference are being agreed but issues to be examined by the independent consultants include the Magna Centre's current trading levels, the leisure and other events scheduled to take place at the centre, as well as the method of structuring the company in the future.

The possible development of a hotel and restaurant is being considered as one means of trying to attract more investors to the business.

The business plan was submitted in April and PwC are set to report back its findings in July. The Government-appointed Commissioners to the Council will be asked to make a decision on any loans being made available.

Cllr Chris Read, leader of Rotherham Council, gave an update at the recent full council meeting and said: "What we can't do is let Magna limp from loan to loan."

The sheer cost of operating a science adventure centre in a massive former steelworks (it costs an estimated £800 a day just to open), means that the trust makes enough money to operate but not enough to build up reserves of capital. When incidents such as wind causing substantial damage to the roof, or a fire in adjacent premises, causes events and parties to be cancelled, Magna has been able to call on the Council's ability to borrow money at low rates to cover costs and repay the loan over time.

In 2006, Rotherham Council provided a £300,000, 15-year long term loan, with £195,000 currently outstanding but a "payment holiday" has been in place since 2013.

In 2008, during the recession, the Council provided Magna with an unsecured one year working capital facility. This is reviewed annually by the Council's cabinet and a sum of £250,000 was agreed in March 2014. An additional unsecured £80,000 bridging loan facility was agreed in January 2014 which has not yet been repaid. The existing £250,000 council loan was set to be repaid, with outstanding interest of £6,250, on March 31 2015.

It is believed that were it not for the Council's financial support then Magna would have been forced to close.

One way that Magna is boosting revenues is to continue its strong position in the corporate sector. Bookings secured in the last financial year enabled Magna to achieve a £1m turnover.

Events include more dance music events, film and comic conventions, mixed martial arts events, boxing events screened live on TV, the Real Ale and Music Festival and the Red Bull Stratos - Mission To The Edge of Space exhibition. In November, Magna is due to host an international aerospace conference, TRAM 2015, bringing 400 attendees from the across the global aerospace sector.

To help keep up with demand, Magna has recently appointed Lee Wilkinson, who previously worked for Sheffield Wednesday Football Club and Barnsley and Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, as a new corporate sales executive. Lee will also help bring in more sporting events, such as boxing. The venue can now cater for bigger audiences for such events due to alterations to seating in the Big Hall.

Magna website

Images: Magna

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News: Commissioners to decide on Magna loan

The final decision on whether the Council makes £350,000 available to support the operators of Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham is likely to be made by government-appointed commissioners.

Set in the former Templeborough steelworks, Magna is a family attraction with more than 100 hands-on exhibits. Millions of pounds have been invested in conference facilities at the centre which is operated by a charity, the Magna Trust.

In January, Rotherham Council's interim chief executive approved an immediate £100,000 loan after the Magna Trust identified a potential cash shortfall. The council's cabinet were also recently asked to approve a new loan facility of up to £250,000 to start on April 1 2015, taking the total available for the year to £350,000.

That decision was deferred pending an independent consultant being appointed to undertake a review of Magna's business, to help to strengthen the Magna business plan and to assess the future viability of Magna and to give some assurances moving forward. The decision was "called in" by opposition members for further scrutiny.

Issues to be examined by the independent consultants include the Magna Centre's current trading levels, the leisure and other events scheduled to take place at the Centre, as well as the method of structuring the company in the future.

The possible development of a hotel and restaurant is being considered as one means of trying to attract more investors to the business.

Opposition UKIP councillors stated that "there is no justification for this Council continuing to provide loans to the Magna Trust" and that there is no need to appoint an independent consultant as the study could be completed by the Council's own finance officers.

The call-in request was not supported and the cabinet's decision stands. The Magna Trust is set to work on its business plan and the council has the authority to commission independent consultants, at an expected cost of £15,000 - £20,000, to assess the plan. It could take three months before the assessment is completed but when the information about the business plan is available, the Government-appointed Commissioners to the Council will be asked to make a decision about it.

Following a government-commissioned report that deemed Rotherham Council "not fit for purpose," the commissioners set to take over the leadership and executive functions, could be announced this week.

Cllr. Emma Hoddinott, deputy leader at Rotherham Council said at the special meeting on the Magna issue: "This Council's involvement with the Magna Trust has lasted many years; it is now important that the Council obtains an independent opinion about the Magna Centre's future business opportunities. The independent consultants will provide expertise which is not available to the Council in-house. It is preferable that the Council seeks to get a fresh pair of eyes to study the Magna Trust's business plan."

The Trust has so far drawn down £75,000 of the £100,000 made available in January following a fire in an adjacent property that affected the business. In 2006, Rotherham Council provided a £300,000, 15-year long term loan, with £195,000 currently outstanding but a "payment holiday" has been in place since 2013.

In 2008, during the recession, the Council provided Magna with an unsecured one year working capital facility. This is reviewed annually by the Council's cabinet and a sum of £250,000 was agreed in March 2014. An additional unsecured £80,000 bridging loan facility was agreed in January 2014 which has not yet been repaid. The existing £250,000 council loan is set to be repaid, with outstanding interest of £6,250, on March 31 2015.

It is believed that were it not for the Council's financial support then Magna would have been forced to close.

Rotherham Council's finance manager told the meeting that there is £195,000 currently outstanding on the long term loan but reiterated that the council does not provide a direct subsidy to the Magna Trust - all financial support is in the form of loans, which the Magna Trust pays back with interest.

One issue for the Council is the fact that the loans are secured only against the offices fronting Sheffield Road, which are not worth as much as they once were. The issue of leases and a complex inter-creditor deed is also being addressed. Parties on the deed include the Big Lottery, DCLG, Yorkshire Forward, Lombard Property Facilities Limited, and the Royal Bank of Scotland.

The Council is one of three members of the Magna Trust, together with the Rotherham Chamber of Commerce and The Stadium Group, the developers of Meadowhall and Parkgate Shopping, brought in at the start to add weight to the Millennium Project.

Magna website

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News: Magna "has amazing potential"

The management at Rotherham's Magna Science and Adventure Centre are confident that they can cut the need to borrow money from the local council and have exciting projects in the pipeline for increased income.

Rothbiz was first with the news yesterday that Rotherham Council's cabinet is being asked to approve further financial support, making loans of up to £350,000 available for the next financial year, but only if Magna can develop and demonstrate that they have a sustainable business model for the facility.

The authority has already agreed an additional emergency loan of £100,000 this month to help the venue cover essential immediate running costs – approved under the Interim Chief Executive's delegated powers. A fire at adjacent premises in December meant that some Christmas parties had to be cancelled.

Under the terms of that loan, the Council must agree each item to be paid for with the money. Any further support will be contingent on an external review.

Potential income opportunities that would reduce Magna's reliance on the Council are set to be discussed by the Council's cabinet in a private session next week, where members are being asked to consider whether to continue to provide a £250,000 annual loan as the authority has done each year since 2012.

John Silker, chief executive of Magna Trust, said: "We appreciate this financial backing and support from Rotherham Council.

"Unlike many other visitor attractions, galleries and museums we do not receive grants which we can keep. Instead we pay back money we borrow at commercial rates of interest.

"Since I took over at Magna the plan has been to cut our need to borrow money. We are confident that we will be able to do that in the near future.

"We have a robust business plan in place and lots of plans for developments and increased income.

"We have already seen some massive improvements, such as turnover on the corporate and events side of the business increasing from £730,000 to more than £1million this year.

"And the future is looking very positive, with several exciting projects in the pipeline, which could transform Magna, create new jobs and bring further investment into the area.

"As well as being a versatile venue for corporate and leisure bookings, Magna continues to offer a great day out for all the family, with nearly 100,000 people enjoying the visitor attraction each year. It is also a valuable educational resource, with more than 26,000 pupils coming on school visits.

"Magna is very much part of the heritage of the area and has amazing potential to be so much more."

Cllr Emma Hoddinott, deputy leader of Rotherham Council, added: "As one of the three equal shareholders, the Council has provided significant support to Magna in the past. Magna has loans outstanding to the Council of more than half a million pounds and has not been able to reduce the debt it owes to the Council since the end of March last year.

"Over Christmas, Magna approached the Council to seek further urgent assistance in order to meet a short term cash flow shortfall, and this finance was made available under strict new conditions.

"We are conscious that there are more than 80 people employed by the trust, whose jobs would have been in immediate doubt had provision not been made available. However, we are working closely with Magna on their business plan to assess their future viability."

Magna website

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News: Magna to host Oktoberfest

Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham is bringing Bavaria to South Yorkshire by organising its own version of Oktoberfest.

Based on the famous Munich event, the former Templeborough Steelworks aims to attract up to 2,000 people over two nights with German lagers, frankfurters and an Oompah band.

Organisers have ordered 12,000 pints of lager, which will be served in steins – or traditional German beer mugs. And for anyone who wants to leave the car at home there will be special buses running between Magna, Meadowhall and Rotherham town centre.

John Silker, chief executive of Magna, said: "We get thousands of people coming to our Christmas parties each year and we thought why not organise some more events throughout the year.

"We've got masses of space here to have a real party. And this way you don't have to go all the way to Munich for a good old knees-up."

As well as the Oompah band there will be party games; a disco, and guest appearances from the current and former Miss South Yorkshires dressed in traditional costumes. And revellers are being encouraged to get out their own lederhosen and get into the spirit of the occasion with a fancy dress competition and prizes for the best dressed.

Magna is a family attraction with more than 100 hands-on exhibits designed to explore the four elements of air, water, earth and fire. In the first week of the school holidays visitor numbers were up by 40 per cent on last year with more than 5,000 people at the centre, many taking advantage of the outside play areas Sci-Tek and Aqu-Tek.

The corporate space can cater for between 30 and 3,000 people and one of the most successful events is the annual Magna Real Ale Festival. Corporate bookings for the current financial year are easily set to pass the total for the whole of 2013/14. In the last year Magna has also hosted conferences for bluechip companies including Mercedes Benz, Honda, HSBC and the Royal Mail.

The two-day Oktoberfest event will run on Friday October 3 from 6pm to midnight, and Saturday October 4 from 5pm to midnight, with tickets starting at just £5.

Magna website

Images: Magna

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News: Rotherham tourism businesses shortlisted for White Rose Awards

Rotherham tourism businesses, The Magna Science Adventure Centre and Throapham House have again been shortlisted for the highly coveted White Rose Awards.

After a record number of entries, Welcome To Yorkshire, the county's Destination Management Organisation, has announced the finalists for the UK's biggest tourism awards.

The Magna Science Adventure Centre has been named as a finalist in the business tourism catergory. The centre has picked up the business tourism award a number of times and awards recognising customer service.

Magna is the UK's first science adventure centre and is set in the former Templeborough steelworks. Millions of pounds have been invested in conference facilities at the centre which plays host to nationally important music events, boxing, corporate launches and award ceremonies.

Despite being the height of Summer, the visitor attraction and corporate venue is putting together its plans for Christmas parties, which this year will have a vintage funfair theme.

Over the last eight years the former steel works has played host to more than 44,000 people at its festive events, which have featured dodgems as the main attraction.

Throapham House in Dinnington is again in with a chance of being named the B&B accomodation of the year.

The five star B&B is part of Yorkshire's Finest Accommodation, a consortium of the very finest privately owned five star properties in the region who share a commitment to provide exceptional quality and service.

Throapham House is a Grade II listed property dating from around 1750. It has been the family home to the Hollands since 1993. It was refurbished in 2006 and now Ann and Robert (pictured) provide bed and breakfast accommodation in three spacious double rooms.

Ann Roberts, owner of Throapham House, said: "Having opened on our wedding anniversary exactly seven years ago this made another lovely reason for us to celebrate the day.

"We're sure to be facing stiff competition again so we'll keep our fingers crossed and hope to make it third time lucky for South Yorkshire."

Independent Chair of Judges, Professor Colin Mellors, said: "Strength in depth describes our entries this year which were of a really high quality. We had to take some incredibly difficult decisions when it came to shortlisting, and that is testament to the standard of these Yorkshire tourism businesses."

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, added: "Yet again we have had a record number of entries and what's especially pleasing to see, is a lot of organisations entering this for the first time. Our diverse tourism businesses are setting the standard nationally and our awards are for them in recognition of their tireless and creative work in helping make Yorkshire number one."

The winners will be announced at a glittering black-tie awards ceremony on November 11 at New Dock Hall near the Royal Armouries, Leeds.

Magna website
Throapham House website
Welcome To Yorkshire website

Images: Magna / Throapham House

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News: Rotherham tourism businesses up for White Rose Awards

Rotherham tourism businesses, The Magna Science Adventure Centre and Throapham House have been shortlisted for the highly coveted White Rose Awards.

Welcome to Yorkshire has announced the 94 finalists, made up of Yorkshire's best attractions, hotels, venues and individuals from the tourism industry.

The Magna Science Adventure Centre has been named as a finalist in two categories - Best tourism experience and business tourism. The centre has picked up the business tourism award a number of times and awards recognising customer service.

Magna is the UK's first science adventure centre and is set in the former Templeborough steelworks. It celebrates its 10th Anniversary this year.

Millions of pounds have been invested in conference facilities at the centre which plays host to nationally important music events, boxing, corporate launches and award ceremonies.

Matthew Beck, managing director at Magna said: "Being a finalist in these awards is great recognition for the hard work and quality the Magna team deliver. Business tourism is very strong for us and we are looking forward to hosting the Royal Institute of British Architecture Awards later this year.

"The award for Best Tourism Experience is in recognition of the scare attraction called Hybrid X we ran last Halloween, we are just finalising plans for this year's scare experience called Bunker 13. It's wonderful to be shortlisted for awards that highlight both our corporate and leisure activities."

Throapham House in Dinnington is in with a chance of being named the B&B / guest house accomodation of the year.

The five star B&B is part of Yorkshire's Finest Accommodation, a consortium of the very finest privately owned five star properties in the region who share a commitment to provide exceptional quality and service.

Throapham House is a Grade II listed property dating from around 1750. It has been the family home to the Hollands since 1993. It was refurbished in 2006 and now Ann and Robert provide bed and breakfast accommodation in three spacious double rooms.

Gary Verity, chief executive of Welcome to Yorkshire, said: "Yorkshire's tourism economy is booming and the finalist list for the White Rose Awards indicates why. The level of high quality entries was outstanding and a firm indication that our tourism industry know the importance of offering our visitors that extra special experience."

Magna website
Throapham House website

Images: visitmagna.co.uk / throapham-house.co.uk

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News: Rotherham to host RIBA ceremony

Magna Science and Adventure Centre in Rotherham is set to be the venue for this year's Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) Stirling Prize.

The ceremony will take place on October 1 and will be broadcast as a special edition of BBC Two's The Culture Show.


The Magna Science and Adventure Centre won the RIBA Stirling Prize in 2001 when Wilkinson Eyre architects transformed the redundant Templeborough steelworks into the UK's first science adventure centre.

Tony Chapman, Head of Awards at the RIBA, said: "We hadn't yet held the RIBA Stirling Prize in Yorkshire so were keen to do so. This coincided with it being ten years since Magna Science Adventure Centre won the RIBA Stirling Prize and we thought it would be a nice way to mark it."

Matthew Beck, Managing Director at Magna, added: "Magna is delighted to be hosting the RIBA awards in October. This is very unique as it is the first time that the awards have been hosted in a Sterling Prize winning venue, as Wilkinson Eyre won it in 2001 for its work on the Magna Science Adventure Centre.

"As a multi award winning corporate hospitality venue we know that we can deliver a spectacular evening for all our guests. So it will be a very special celebration and a great party. It will also be an opportunity for Magna to showcase to the architects its new solar PV roof, the largest in the country and its plans for the new Green Innovation Centre."

The RIBA Stirling Prize in association with The Architects' Journal and Benchmark is awarded to the architects of the building that has made the greatest contribution to British architecture in the past year.

This win was derived from the presence of the Sheffield Convention Bureau, part of Marketing Sheffield, at International CONFEX 2010 where discussions began to bring this highly coveted awards ceremony to the area. The city's presence at this important event was funded by Welcome to Yorkshire.

Magna website

Images: visitmagna.co.uk

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News: Magna and the Chamber win business tourism award

The Chamber and Rotherham's Magna Centre have won the Corporate Event of the Year prize in the prestigious Yorkshire Business Insider Business Tourism Awards. Catering for over 400 people the Presidents Ball transformed Magna into "Around the World in 80 Days", delighting all those who attended in May 2008. Matthew Beck, Managing Director of Magna, commented: "We are delighted to have won this award, following on from our success at last year's Yorkshire Business Insider Awards as Large Venue of the Year." Rob Hannon, Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce's Rotherham President, said: "We are proud to be recognised for the hard work put into this event by both the Chamber and Magna, and the staff at both organisations. I trust this will again be reflected in the 2009 President's Ball on Saturday 16 May, at which the centenary of the Chamber of Commerce in Rotherham will be celebrated." Mike Smith, Chairman of Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce, said: "As Chairman of Chamber and Magna trustee, I feel that this award win is a rightful recognition of a marvellous, all-round team effort by the staff at the Chamber and Magna. This is an accurate reflection on the strong relationship between the Chamber and Magna which I know will produce another superb President's Ball in May this year."

Magna website
Rotherham

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News: Magna announces special corporate packages

Magna in Rotherham has announced two very special offers for corporate hire. For a limited period, Magna's day delegate rate will start from £29.95 + vat per person and will include a free buffet upgrade. The price includes room hire, breakfast, tea and coffee breaks and lunch. Magna's meeting rooms are the perfect space flexible space for anything from seminars and interviews to buffet lunches and private dining, as well as much larger events, as these rooms can be used as breakout areas in conjunction with the Big and Red Halls. Also, in celebration of the unveiling of Magna's Summer Proms, Parties and Presentations package, prices will start from just £9.95 per person for booking the awesome event space for a summer event, including food and room hire. Magna recently hosted the massive Tidy Homecoming dance event and local band Little Man Tate headline the 4000 capacity venue on March 28, their biggest UK show to date.
Magna website

Rotherham

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News: National awards success for Yorkshire South

Tourism agency, Yorkshire South has scooped two major awards in a week. On Monday they took bronze in "Best UK Convention Bureau" category at the Meetings and Incentive Travel Industry Awards, the oldest and most established awards event in the meetings and incentive industry. Then on Wednesday they were named "Best UK Destination" for the second consecutive year at International Confex, the UK's leading event for event organisers. Yorkshire South, the only destination to win the award for two consecutive years, were commended for their innovation by media judge Paul Colston, editor of Conference News. Paul said: "I have awarded Yorkshire South "Best UK Destination" for bringing a new dimension to destination show rounds with their 4D effect and holistic all round view of the region." Richard Jones, CEO of Yorkshire South, commented: "We are delighted to have won both awards this week. To take bronze in the "Best UK Convention Bureau" category is fantastic, especially since it means that a great number of our clients voted for us. Then to find out, two days later, that we had also won "Best UK destination" for the second year running, was amazing. We work very closely with our partners and venues to raise the profile of Yorkshire South as a business tourism destination, so, to be recognised by the event buyers for our hard work and the industry makes it all worthwhile. To be recognised by both awards is a great honour and something that we as a destination are very proud of."

Yorkshire South website
Rotherham

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News: Chamber And Magna shortlisted for event award

The Chamber and the Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham have been shortlisted for Corporate Event of the Year in the prestigious Yorkshire Business Insider Business Tourism Awards. Catering for over 500 people, the President's Ball transformed Magna with the theme of "Around the World in 80 Days" last May. Magna’s award-winning Executive Head Chef, Stephen Harrison, created a themed meal especially for the evening which included dishes from France, India, America and England. Rob Hannon, Rotherham Chamber President, said: "We are very proud that the President’s Ball has been recognised as one of the top events in the region, and the shortlisting highlights the superb working relationship our events team has with Magna in putting the event together. Magna’s Managing Director Matthew Beck said: "This tops off a fantastic year for Magna and builds on the award for Large Venue of the Year which we won at the Business Tourism Awards last year." Lee Wilkinson, Events Manager at Barnsley & Rotherham Chamber of Commerce said: "Magna as a venue is superb and our President's Ball is always a spectacular occasion. This is a tribute to Magna and in particular their staff who are always friendly, hard working and willing to lend a hand in any way they can to make sure the event runs as smoothly as possible."
Magna website
Chamber website
Rotherham

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News: Magna is officially “Cool”

Magna Science Adventure Centre in Rotherham, was recently shortlisted for Prestige Event Magazines "Cool Awards". Magna was nominated in the category "Coolest Museum and Gallery" along with 11 other venues, and was one of the only two venues outside London. The £46m Millennium Commission Lottery project is based within the former Templeborough steelworks building in Rotherham and was opened in 2001. Magna is a science adventure centre which also includes a number of original features, including hulking hooks and cranes. Winding passages have been left untouched, giving the building a greater sense of atmosphere. Operations Director Helen Smith commented: "We are delighted to have been nominated in the Prestige Magazine Cool Awards. As we are one of the few venues outside of London to be nominated this is an excellent way to raise our profile nationally." Last year Magna celebrated their 1.5 millionth visitor and visitor numbers exceeded the 300,000 first annual target in just six months. As well as being one of the region's top tourist destination, Magna is the venue for national events and awards. For the second year running the Natural History Museum in London was named as the coolest museum.
Magna website
Prestige Events Guide website
Rotherham

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