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G F TOMLINSON APPOINTED TO PROGRESS MULTI-MILLION-POUND PLANETARIUM IN NOTTINGHAMSHIRE
Pre-construction work has officially started on the multi-million-pound planetarium at Sherwood Observatory Science Discovery Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield , Nottinghamshire .
Leading midlands-based contractor G F Tomlinson has been appointed through Scape ’ s Beyond the Public Sector framework to complete pre-construction design and planning , with the state-of-the-art centre expected to be completed and fully operational by autumn 2024 .
Working alongside SCAPE , one of the UK ’ s leading public sector procurement authorities , has enabled the client to accelerate the delivery of the scheme through early contractor involvement with G F Tomlinson .
The development will transform a disused underground Victorian reservoir , which was dug in the 1880s , into an education centre for school and group visits , and will feature an exhibition hall , classrooms , a café and meeting rooms , as well as the state-of-the-art planetarium .
The reservoir will have a new structure built above it , to increase the useable space and transform the existing structure into a habitable and unique building . The scheme aims to inspire interest and careers in STEM learning , as well as increasing footfall to the local area .
Plans were submitted to Ashfield District Council by Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society , in November , following aspirations to increase annual visitor numbers from 3,000 to 20,000 .
Funds for the project have recently been awarded through a contribution of £ 3.1 million from the government ’ s Levelling Up Fund Round 2 . Further funds were also secured through the council ’ s £ 62.6 million Towns Fund .
Craig Stopper , framework construction manager at G F Tomlinson , said : “ We feel very privileged to have been chosen as the main contractor , by Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society , to lead on such an exciting and unique project , and what promises to be a pivotal tourism and educational attraction .
“ The multi-million-pound scheme will attract thousands of visitors to the region and raise not only awareness of the local
area and the history of the site , but STEM career opportunities for future generations . We very much look forward to bringing the vision for this planetarium to life .”
Mark Robinson , group chief executive at SCAPE , said : “ The Sherwood Observatory will not only breathe new life into the local community but will provide exceptional social value by inspiring interest in STEM learning careers .
“ We are , therefore , delighted to be working closely on such a special project with our partner , G F Tomlinson and Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society , via our SCAPE Beyond the Public Sector Framework . Our delivery teams will be instrumental in ensuring efficiency , time and cost savings throughout .”
Dr Steve Wallace at Sherwood Observatory said : “ We have been eagerly anticipating this moment for several years and it ’ s great to have reached the point where we are able have G F Tomlinson join the team . We believe that the young people in our area should be afforded the same opportunities for extracurricular enrichment as those from more affluent areas .
“ The new Centre greatly increase the capacity of the observatory , to deliver outreach , and will help to inspire a new generation of scientists and engineers from across the region , thereby supporting jobs growth and prosperity .”
Cllr Matthew Relf , executive lead member for regeneration and corporate transformation , said : “ This is such a fantastic project that will help supercharge the astronomical society ’ s brilliant work on engaging young minds with STEM subjects , lighting a fire in our next generation of scientists and engineers .
“ It ’ s one of the many interconnected projects - covering health and wellbeing , tourism , skills and jobs and urban regeneration - that are coming to Ashfield over the next few years as part of our ambitious regeneration programme to turn around decades of neglect . These projects will benefit not just Ashfield but the broader region too . Yet another great reason to Discover Ashfield .”
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