News

In pictures | Nottinghamshire planetarium

Nottingham planetarium
Plans for the new Nottingham Planetarium. (Image: PRB Architects)

Pre-construction work has started on a £6.35m planetarium in Nottinghamshire.

G F Tomlinson was appointed through Scape’s Beyond the Public Sector framework to complete pre-construction design and planning for the planetarium.

Nottingham planetarium
Backers hope the new centre will boost annual visitor numbers. (Image: PRB Architects)

Based at the Sherwood Observatory Science Discovery Centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield, the project involves transforming a disused underground Victorian reservoir.

The reservoir will be turned into a multifunctional exhibition area while preserving the architectural heritage features.

Nottingham planetarium
The reservoir will provide space for an education centre, exhibitions, cafe and more (Image: PRB Architects)

A 10m diameter planetarium that can accommodate up to 60 people per show will sit on the reservoir’s roof. There are thought to be only a few places in the UK that combine a planetarium with an observatory.

The centre will also house an education centre for school and groups, an exhibition hall, classrooms, a cafe, and meeting rooms.

Backers hope visitor numbers will rise from 3,000 to 20,000 each year. The facility is expected to be completed and fully operational by autumn 2024.

It is part of a number of projects being supported through the Towns Fund and Levelling Up Round 2 programme aimed at inspiring the next generation of STEM talent.

Nottingham planetarium
The Victorian reservoir will be transformed

Project organisers are still fundraising and businesses will be able to sponsor items shortly. Those interested should email: [email protected].

Story for CM? Get in touch via email: [email protected]

Comments

  1. This exciting project is located in Sutton-in-Ashield – NOTTINGHAMSHIRE – not Nottingham.

Comments are closed.

Latest articles in News