Sherwood Observatory, Science Discovery Centre & Planetarium
Budget: £6.8 Million
Completed: November 2024
Framework: SCAPE Venture Framework
Client: Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society/Ashfield District Council
Location: Sutton in Ashfield, Nottinghamshire
Volunteer hours: 554
Apprenticeship weeks: 18
Donations in-kind to the local community: £29K
“Right from the initial vision, this project has been about collaboration and teamwork. The new Planetarium & Science Centre has exceeded expectations and the excitement that has been generated in the area as it has taken shape has been tangible. We are really pleased to open our doors to visitors and show them the wonders of the universe.”
Dr Steve Wallace,
Chairman of Sherwood Observatory and client project manager
The Sherwood Observatory is a world-class facility that includes a state-of-the-art science and discovery centre as well as a new planetarium.
Designed to provide an immersive educational and entertainment experience, the observatory aims to inspire future generations to pursue interests and careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). The facility will enhance the overall visitor experience and increase annual foot traffic to the location.
This landmark project transformed a disused underground Victorian reservoir into a vibrant visitor attraction and educational centre for the public, schools, and group visits. It breathes new life into the historic building, which now features an exhibition hall, a meeting room, a café, and a cutting-edge planetarium.
The project was delivered by G F Tomlinson using the SCAPE Venture Framework for the Mansfield & Sutton Astronomical Society, with support from the Ashfield District Council. The work included constructing a new structure above the reservoir to increase usable space while preserving original historical features, such as intricate brick arches. The existing structure was also evolved into a unique and functional building.
The new building incorporates sustainable materials and energy-efficient systems to minimise its carbon footprint, demonstrating the client's commitment to environmental responsibility. It adheres to high accessibility standards by providing step-free access and assistive technologies, ensuring inclusivity for all visitors who come to Sherwood Observatory.
In 2014, the Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society acquired the land next to the Observatory and began raising funds and applying for funding for the new Science Discovery Centre.
Ashfield and Mansfield are among the districts in the UK with lower social mobility. Educational achievement in these areas is also below the UK national average. Sherwood Observatory aims to encourage interest in STEM subjects among the local population, especially young people, which can lead to careers in STEM fields. Interest in these subjects can help young people obtain well-paid jobs and contribute to the area's future economic prosperity.
The work included building a new structure above the reservoir to increase the useable space and maintaining original and historical features such as intricate brick arches and a Victorian subterranean reservoir to keep the history of the building. While evolving the existing structure into a unique and functional building.
An extensive value engineering exercise was conducted to bring the project costs within budget for the client, who had previously incurred losses due to the administration of Robert Woodhead Construction. By working collaboratively and transferring the existing design team along with their knowledge of the project, the project costs were reduced by approximately £430k.
G F Tomlinson also de-risked the earthworks by carrying out specialist investigation work to minimise the costs associated with carrying out ground strengthening and remediation required for vehicle parking and bus drop-off areas. The work saved the client considerable costs throughout the project.
The project was completed on schedule and within budget and was set to open to the public in November 2025. The project team made sure that work was finished in a way that allowed volunteers to access the site on weekends to begin setting up exhibits and furniture.
This project is poised to redefine the visitor experience and inspire learning about the universe. The world-class facility is expected to rival any other in the UK.
Why SCAPE?
Working alongside SCAPE has enabled the Client to accelerate the delivery of the scheme through early contractor involvement with G F Tomlinson.
Sustainability
The scheme achieved an exceptional Air Test rating of 1.34, exceeding the original building regulations target of 5. The more airtight the building, the better it is for maintaining a comfortable environment and saving on heating costs.
The project design team carried out an exercise post project completion to add additional PV Panels to the building to achieve regulated energy zero carbon. The client can then take this information away to see if they can obtain funding for this from the Council.
“The immersive shows really are incredible, and I would encourage everyone to make sure they experience the Planetarium and all that it has to offer. This is something so unique and will see more visitors coming to Ashfield as they are transported through space".
Cllr Jason Zadrozny,
Leader of Ashfield District Council
£2,918,561.00
Social Value generated
100%
SME spend (over £800k)
77.8%
Local spend within 20 miles
77.8%
Local Labour Delivered
100%
Waste diverted from landfill
In collaboration with:
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