'Every cost has gone up': Science museum on the brink

A science museum in Cheshire is at risk of closing within two months unless it can raise enough money to keep its doors open, its chief executive has said.

Nikki Burton Mallott said the Catalyst Science Discovery Centre and Museum in Widnes had been hit by a "perfect storm" of low visitor numbers and rising costs and was struggling financially.

Since opening in 1989, the museum has been the UK's only site dedicated to telling the story of the chemical industry. It welcomes about 30,000 visitors a year to explore interactive exhibits and take part in workshops.

But Mallott said admission fees "only cover 15% of running costs" and that the museum now needed donations or sponsors to stay open.

"Every cost has gone up," said Mallott, who has been in charge since January 2024.

"It's employer costs, national insurance and suppliers - from ice cream to gas and electric."

"We've also had a number of compliance issues that we needed to solve and all these things have come together to create a perfect storm."

The history of the site dates back more than 170 years, to a period when Widnes became one of the most important parts of Britain's emerging chemical industry.

At the time, the Grade II listed building housed the chemical manufacturer John Hutchinson & Co.

Mallott said: "We are a true hidden gem, and when people come to us they have an incredible time connecting with our science discovery centre or engaging with the heritage of the chemical industry within our archives."

Catalyst is now seeking to raise £100,000 to restore its reserves and open a new gallery in 2027.

The museum employs about 30 people and is supported by around 20 volunteers.

In 2029, it will mark its 40th anniversary.

"Our plea is: help if you can," she said.

"We want to remain an asset to our local community, engaging them with science and with heritage.

"If we can't find a way out of this, we are talking a couple of months at most.

"It's a very serious situation and we're doing absolutely everything we can to make sure we are still here to celebrate our 40th year."

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