Work on the UK’s newest planetarium, in development for more than a decade, is progressing rapidly at its Nottinghamshire site, with the £6.8 million project set to be completed by the end of November.
Funded by the UK Government, the National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Garfield Weston Foundation, the Wolfson Foundation, the Foyle Foundation, and numerous other donors, the new planetarium forms part of the Sherwood Observatory. The observatory is being transformed into a leading regional education and exhibition space off Coxmoor Road in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
The internal fit-out is now well underway, with equipment including a ten-metre diameter hemispherical screen and projectors being installed to show tours of the solar system and beyond. The planetarium will feature 59 seats and will be fully accessible for people with disabilities.
Multi-disciplinary consultancy Pick Everard is delivering project and cost management services for the scheme.
Nick Hanson, associate cost manager at Pick Everard, said: “This is an exciting project that is contributing positively to the local area with a world-leading science and education facility.
“The Sherwood Observatory is of huge historical significance and draws on our expertise in delivering high-quality visitor attractions, with protected elements sensitively treated and managed through robust stakeholder management plans.
“Our team is fully invested in helping deliver this unique undertaking, which will have a transformative impact on regional tourism and economic development.”
Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson delivered the construction works for the multi-million-pound planetarium, completing pre-construction design and planning through SCAPE’s Beyond the Public Sector Framework.
Jason Ainsworth, framework construction manager at G F Tomlinson, said: “We feel very privileged to be part of such an exciting and unique project in the region, and once finished, the state-of-the-art centre promises to be a pivotal tourism and educational hub.
“Alongside attracting thousands of visitors to the region and raising awareness of the local area and the history of the site, it also provides opportunities for STEM careers for future generations. This was made possible due to our early involvement and collaborative working with the client team and consultants, facilitated through the SCAPE Beyond the Public Sector Framework.”
The new planetarium design incorporates the existing Victorian subterranean reservoir, retaining its original features, such as intricate brick arches, to preserve the building’s history.
The ambitious plans for the site aim to create a unique, world-class facility that will rival those elsewhere in the UK.
Councillor Matthew Relf, executive lead member for regeneration, growth, and local planning at Ashfield District Council, said: “It is wonderful to see construction of the new planetarium and science centre nearing completion. It has been a monumental effort by all involved.
“It will be a fantastic place for schools and youth groups, as well as individuals and families, to come and see shows about space and science. We know this will ignite the fire and passion for future scientists and engineers in the area.
“It has been a privilege to be part of the journey, from an initial pitched idea while walking around the dark Victorian water tank to securing the funding and now seeing the space transformed into a modern and exciting facility. I could not be more excited to see my first show in the finished planetarium.
“This really will be an incredible asset for the district and broader region and will inspire so many people with the wonders of space, encouraging them into new and exciting careers.”
Steve Wallace, planetarium project manager and chairman at Sherwood Observatory, said: “This is going to be a cutting-edge facility and it has been fascinating to work on. We are now moving to the next stage, where a specialist planetarium creator is on site transforming the dome.
“It is a very unique piece of software that offers theatrical shows and gives visitors an immersive tour of the solar system, where they can travel from planet to planet and then out into the wider Milky Way and Universe.”
The planetarium at Sherwood Observatory is the latest development Pick Everard has worked on in the region, following the recent opening of a new ‘Green Heart’ space as part of the £2 billion Broad Marsh regeneration project in Nottingham city centre.
