Children in Selby will get the chance to build the market town in video game Minecraft during half-term.
Scarborough-based “professional Minecrafters” Krash Labs have already built Selby Abbey and Abbot’s Staith in the game, working from maps and photographs to reconstruct them.
Now children will get the chance to virtually explore the landmarks and build their own version of the market town as part of two “Selby Block Party” sessions held in the half-term holidays next week.
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“This pilot will allow these buildings to be seen and explored as never before: they can exist over different time periods, their nooks and crannies can be discovered,” said Selby District Council culture chief Chris Pearson.
“Children will have a lot of fun exploring buildings they may never have been in and adding to the town centre – I hope we see everything from a Star Wars museum to a medieval banqueting hall.”
Over the next few years, more of Selby town centre will be built in Minecraft.
And the project will scan objects which tell the story of the town so they appear in the game.
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Jane Jackson of Historic England, which is funding the project alongside the council, said: “Using Minecraft is an innovative way to engage young people about their unique and special local heritage.
“I can’t wait to see Selby Abbey and Abbot’s Staith recreated in the Minecraft universe.”
The free workshops will take place on February 18 at 2pm to 4pm and February 19 at 2pm to 4pm. Visit selby.gov.uk for information on how to take part.
A video tour of Selby’s Minecraft map will also be released soon.
