UK
Conferences - Catalyst Science Discovery Centre
Conferences - Catalyst Science Discovery Centre
Visit
Schools
Museum
Community
News
What's On?
Close
Visit Menu
Design a Gallery – Competition
Catalyst 2025 Newsletter
Black Friday Deal 2025
Discover the Science in Your Community – Only £5 for WA7 & WA8 Residents
Half-Price Fun for Children This October Half-Term at Catalyst
Community Generosity Helps Catalyst Acquire New A3 Scanner
Catalyst celebrations, revelations and donations!
Catalyst wins £1m National Lottery Heritage Fund bid
Catalyst for Creativity Exhibition Opening
Catalyst to receive funding from Arts Council England
Sub Pages
Conferences
Why settle for the usual when you can select the unusual for your meetings, presentations or training events?
Catalyst is a unique venue housed in a Grade II listed building steeped in industrial history with fascinating exhibits and displays. Situated on the banks of the River Mersey, Catalyst offers a range of meeting spaces and stunning views over the Mersey Gateway Bridge and the surrounding area from the 4th floor, glass-walled Observatory Gallery
Why Choose Catalyst?
Catalyst is easily accessible from Merseyside, Manchester, Lancashire and Cheshire and are just 10 minutes from both the M56 and M62. We offer a first class catering service, superb value for money and a professional approach so your meeting at Catalyst will certainly be a memorable experience for all your guests. At breaks and lunchtimes, delegates are invited to explore the interactive galleries and take in the views.
Facilities Available
The Gossage Room
, our archive room on the 2nd floor, is ideal for presentations, meetings and training. It seats up to
16
people boardroom style or
30
theatre style for presentations.
The Deacon Room
is situated on the 3rd floor, with a great view of the River Mersey. This room is ideal for small meetings of up to
people.
The Friends Room
is also situated on the 3rd floor with great views of the River. This room seats up to
people boardroom style or
15
people for presentations.
The Theatre
, situated on the first floor has tiered seating that can accommodate up to
70
people for lectures and presentations or
25
people with the seats back against the wall and tables set boardroom style.
The Education Centre
comprises two rooms that can be set classroom style for
36
in each or theatre style for
50
. These rooms can be opened into one larger room to accommodate up to
100
people theatre style. Rooms can be hired separately and the facility provides a flexible space for exhibitions, meetings, presentations and seminars.
The Discovery Lab
can be hired for workshop sessions or training events and can accommodate up to
32
people.
The Observatory Gallery
is a glass-walled, rooftop gallery that affords stunning views over the river landscape, making it an ideal location for corporate hospitality functions. This area can accommodate up to
100
people for a standing event or
40
people seated for a presentation.
Download the
room rates
here.
Catering
A high quality catering service is available – with a specially prepared selection of tempting menus. Whether you require creative canapes or a sumptuous buffet, we are pleased to assist you in your choice of menus or develop ideas to suit your specific needs.
Download the
Menus
here or see
here
for a short video of one of our events
Share:
Access
Birthday parties
Conferences
Group visits
Heritage afternoon tea
Visits and Prices
What's on
Previous
Next
4th Mar -
15th Jul
Little Wonders
Wednesdays 9.15am – 10.30am Every Wednesday during term time (March to July 2026), join us for an educational morning filled with hands-on sensory learning, interacti...
Find out more
5th Mar -
16th Jul
Breakfast & Brew
Thursdays 10am – 12pm Catalyst invites over 50s to join us for breakfast on Thursdays, 10am -12pm, at our NEW Breakfast and Brew Club! These mornings will run in term...
Find out more
18th Apr -
17th May
Operation Earth – Weekend Workshops
Visit Catalyst at weekends between 18th April and 17th May for a chance to see our Operation Earth Show! Come along to our family show and to...
Find out more
18th Apr -
17th May
Bee Discovery – Weekend Workshops
Visit Catalyst at weekends between 18th April and 17th May for a chance to join our hands-on workshop. Come and learn about one of nature’s best scientists – th...
Find out more
25th Apr
City Nature Challenge
On 25th April 2026 we will be joining forces with the Mersey Gateway Environmental Trust (MGET) to take part in the City Nature Challenge (CNC) City Nature Challenge is an ...
Find out more
1st May -
31st Jul
Community Pricing!
Throughout the months of May, June and July 2026 we will be supporting our local community with a special community entry price of just £5 per person! Proof of address (i.e...
Find out more
21st May
Quiet Hours at Catalyst May 2026
With thanks to National Lottery players, we are continuing our Quiet Hours series. We’ve listened to your feedback and are excited to offer a Quiet Hours visit in the...
Find out more
23rd May -
31st May
Towering Tetrahedrons
Visit during half term from 23rd to 31st May to take part in our room filling tetrahedron challenge! Explore the strongest shape in more depth! Using nothing but sticks and...
Find out more
View all upcoming events
Mersey Road, Widnes, Cheshire, WA8 0DF.
Catalyst has a large free car park.
If you are coming over the Mersey Gateway Bridge or the Silver Jubilee Bridge, please don't forget to pay your toll within 24 hours. This can be done online at www.merseyflow.co.uk
0151 420 1121
Visit
Groups
Science
Families
Schools
Workshops
Museum
Library List
Collection
Gallery
Support Us
What's On?
News
@CatalystSDC
Catalyst Science Discovery Centre
Catalyst Museum
@CatalystSDC
© Catalyst Science Discovery Centre 2026
Design and build by
Future