Start of main works comes six months after construction contractor GF Tomlinson began pre-construction works on the 拢6m Sherwood Observatory Science Discovery Centre.
The project involves the transformation of a disused underground Victorian reservoir into an education centre for school and group visits. It will have an exhibition hall, classrooms, a caf茅 meeting rooms and a planetarium.
Building a new structure above the reservoir will increase the useable space, keeping original features such as brick arches while converting the existing structure into a functional building.
It is being developed by Mansfield & Sutton Astronomical Society, which is getting a bigger and better observatory, and Ashfield District Council, with funding from central government.
Ashfield District Council leader Jason Zadrozny said 鈥淭he observatory is already a great asset to the District, but with the new centre and planetarium it will become world-class. The importance of having access to a purpose-built science facility locally can鈥檛 be underestimated; allowing children and adults who can鈥檛 necessarily travel to London or Birmingham or Leicester the chance to experience the magic of space on their doorstep.鈥�
GF Tomlinson managing director Chris Flint said: 鈥淭he Planetarium & Science Discovery Centre will play a key part in inspiring young people on both the wonder and science of space, and along with the increase in footfall of visitors to the new facility, will be a place of learning and enjoyment for many years to come.鈥�
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