Pivotal works on the new £6.8 million state-of-the-art Sherwood Observatory Planetarium & Science Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield are now complete and ready to welcome the public.
The occasion was celebrated with an official handover event on Friday, 15 November.
Works commenced in August last year and were delivered by Midlands contractor G F Tomlinson, procured through SCAPE, one of the UK’s leading procurement specialists.
Using the SCAPE Venture framework, the client, Mansfield & Sutton Astronomical Society, supported by Ashfield District Council, accelerated the delivery of the scheme through early contractor involvement with G F Tomlinson—driving collaboration, time efficiency, and cost savings.
The landmark scheme, completed this month, involved the transformation of a disused underground Victorian reservoir into a visitor attraction and education centre for the general public, schools, and group visits, breathing new life into the historic building. It now features an exhibition hall, meeting room, and café, alongside the cutting-edge planetarium.
Works included constructing a new structure above the reservoir to increase usable space while preserving original and historical features such as intricate brick arches, evolving the existing structure into a unique and functional building.
Designed to inspire interest and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) with a wraparound experience, the facility is also expected to increase annual footfall to the location.
G F Tomlinson focused on supporting the local community during construction, providing multiple educational and employment opportunities through a dedicated Social Value Working Group (SVWG). Seventy-six per cent of local spend took place within 20 miles of the construction site, and 77 per cent of labour was sourced within the same radius. Over 2,000 tonnes of excavated sand from the site were donated to two nearby golf clubs, valued at £20,000.
The contractor delivered 2,100 hours of educational value through school talks, visits, mock interviews, and career fairs with local schools and colleges. Ten work experience placements were provided, alongside six apprenticeships totalling 30 weeks of on-site experience.
T-level students spent time weekly on-site with the design management team. The contractor also organised mental health visits with the Lighthouse Charity and hosted two ‘Women in Construction’ events.
Adrian Grocock, Group Managing Director of G F Tomlinson, said:
“We are delighted to have completed works on this unique and significant Nottinghamshire landmark scheme—providing a world-class immersive facility for all ages in the heart of the Midlands. The Sherwood Observatory will inspire and entertain visitors, and for many years to come, they will enjoy the learnings that come with understanding the wonder and science of space.
“We’ve wholeheartedly enjoyed working alongside the Sherwood Observatory team, Ashfield District Council, and other stakeholders who helped bring this incredible project to life.”
Dr Steve Wallace, Chair of Sherwood Observatory and client project manager, said:
“Right from the initial vision, this project has been about collaboration and teamwork. The new Planetarium & Science Centre has exceeded expectations, and the excitement generated in the area as it has taken shape has been tangible. We are really pleased to open our doors to visitors and show them the wonders of the universe.”
Mark Robinson, Group Chief Executive at SCAPE, said:
“The Sherwood Observatory planetarium has been an excellent project to be part of. Procured via the SCAPE Venture framework, we worked closely with our partner, G F Tomlinson, to support greater efficiency, deliver cost savings, and help embed social value initiatives.
“Now open, the planetarium provides a one-of-a-kind attraction not only for the local community but for visitors from further afield. We look forward to seeing the next generation of scientists and astronomers that the planetarium inspires.”
Cllr Jason Zadrozny, Leader of Ashfield District Council, said:
“It really is spectacular, and it is something that will transform the lives of not just the people of Ashfield but also those from further afield.
“It has been incredible to see the building through the various stages of construction and to see the vision come to life. I am proud to have played a small part in the process.
“The immersive shows really are incredible, and I would encourage everyone to make sure they experience the planetarium and all that it has to offer. This is something so unique and will bring more visitors to Ashfield as they are transported through space.
“It truly is an educational experience like no other and will hopefully encourage more young people to develop an interest in learning about space.”
One of 16 projects being funded by the £62.6 million Towns Deal secured by the council from the Government in 2021, the project benefitted from Levelling Up funding and grants from the Wolfson Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation, Foyle Foundation, and National Lottery Heritage Fund. Solar panels for the scheme were sponsored by Mansfield Building Society, and the Changing Places toilet was funded by East Midlands Rail.
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