An iconic Halton museum faces closure unless urgent funding can be found, bosses have warned.
The Catalyst Catalyst Science Discovery Centre in Widnes has been hit by what it said was a ‘perfect storm’ over the last year which have placed it under huge financial pressure.
Rising costs, fewer visitors during the hot summer months, those who do visit having less to spend, and industrial backers pulling their funding means the landmark venue on Mersey Road has seen its finances severely dented.
Nikki Burton Mallott, the Catalyst’s chief executive, said running costs were around £2k a day, with it needing around £100k a year in additional funds to secure its future.
She said: “It’s been a perfect storm. Industrial backers have faced their own global challenges, and when people come they often have less to spend – and we totally understand that.”
Nikki previously worked for Knowsley Safari Park and works part time at the Catalyst due to its financial situation, but said daily ‘firefighting’ meant it was difficult to make longer term, strategic plans.
The Catalyst is a registered charity and is the only museum in the UK dedicated specifically to the chemical industry, with a mission to not only inform and entertain, but educate – frequently holding school visits.
Next year it celebrates its 40th anniversary and Nikki said its financial plight is doubly frustrating due to the fact it is in the midst of a renovation funded by £1 million from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The money is funding the Synergy Project – which will see a major refurbishment of the Birth of an Industry gallery and digitisation of its extensive archives, making it more accessible than ever before. Once up and running, bosses hope the museum will have even wider appeal, enabling it to find a more even financial footing.
Nikki added: “We wouldn’t be asking if it wasn’t urgent. We just need some additional help to get us through this period. “Everything helps, even visitors spreading the word about us on social media or leaving us a review. It’s be great if business backers would support us too.”
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