The development of a "unique tourist attraction" in Sutton to draw visitors to the town from across the East Midlands has received £3 million of Government funding. The Government has announced that 11 projects in the region have been successful in securing money from the second round of its Levelling Up Fund.
Nottingham was not successful in getting £57 million for the development of the Broad Marsh, Island Quarter and town centre improvements in Bulwell. But those who were successful in Nottinghamshire included Mansfield, where £20 million will be used to transform a former shopping centre.
Ashfield District Council was also successful in its bid and the authority has confirmed that it will go towards the development of a major tourist attraction at the Sherwood Observatory in Sutton. Plans will see a new planetarium and educational centre built there.
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The council had already received £62.6 million from the Towns Fund programme, a separate Government funding scheme, but the further funding has been described as an "important milestone." Steve Wallace, the project manager for the planetarium, said: "Securing the levelling up round two contribution marks an important milestone in the project journey.
"Subject to securing the match funding work can start on the development in the middle of this year and the new centre will be open and fully operational by our ideal timeframe of autumn 2024. It will be a jewel in the crown of the local visitor economy, creating a unique tourist attraction that will help put this area on the map and attract people from across the UK to Ashfield."
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. Councillor Matthew Relf, the Executive Lead Member for Regeneration and Corporate Transformation at Ashfield District Council, said "I am over the moon that we have secured £3.1million funding from the Levelling Up Fund. The observatory is one of Ashfield's greatest assets and Mansfield & Sutton Astronomical Society (MSAS) have developed a great plan to turn it into a fantastic visitor and educational centre.
"Funding had already been secured for the project through our £62.6million Towns Fund and so we know how fantastic the plans for the observatory are. It will bring enormous benefits to the local economy, and education, in Ashfield, and will draw visitors from across the East Midlands. The observatory is one of our flagship projects that will have a positive impact on Ashfield’s local tourism and help shape ambitions for future generations."
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