Residents have expressed excitement after plans for a new £5million planetarium and science centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield were approved. The proposals were unanimously backed by Ashfield District Council's planning committee.
The planetarium and educational centre will be built at the Sherwood Observatory in Coxmoor Road. It promises to be a major tourist attraction.
The project is being funded by cash from the Towns Fund, which was secured in 2021. Money is also coming from the Government's Levelling Up Fund.
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Residents have described the development as "positive" for the Nottinghamshire town. "I think it's a brilliant idea," said 54-year-old Ian Hall.
"It's something positive for Sutton. I remember when the plans first came out, I thought it was really good.
"It will be good for the local schools and families. I think it will be really nice to have."
A planetarium sees special projects creating a simulation of the night sky on a dome ceiling, with the Ashfield project set to be one of just a few UK destinations combining this with an observatory. A planning application for the project was submitted last November, with the planetarium set to measure 10 metres in diameter.
It will sit on the roof of an underground Victorian reservoir, which itself will be transformed into a multi-functional exhibition area. Mum-of-three Laura Dixon said: "It will be nice to be able to go somewhere local during the holidays with the family and not have to travel.
"It does sound really good. I'm interested to see what it will be like - I know my boys would enjoy it."
Kirkby resident Andrew Shaw, 57, added: "I think it's a good idea. I think it will be very interesting.
"It will be good for the community."
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