Midlands contractor GF Tomlinson has completed pivotal works on the new £6.8 million Sherwood Observatory Planetarium & Science centre in Sutton-in-Ashfield, Nottinghamshire.
With work on the state-of-the-art Planetarium finished, it is now ready to open to the public.
Family run construction firm began work in August last year.
Using the SCAPE Venture framework, client Mansfield & Sutton Astronomical Society, and Ashfield District Council, accelerated the delivery of the scheme through early contractor involvement with GF Tomlinson.
The scheme involved the transformation of a disused underground Victorian reservoir into a visitor attraction, and education centre for the general public, schools and group visits,.
The historic building now features:
- Exhibition hall
- Meeting room
- Café
- New “cutting-edge” planetarium
Works included building a new structure above the reservoir to increase the useable space, maintaining original and historical features such as intricate brick arches, while evolving the existing structure into a unique and functional building.
GF Tomlinson concentrated on supporting the local community during construction with 76 per cent of local spend taking place within 20 miles of the construction site and 77 per cent of labour was sourced within the same radius.
More than 2,000 tonnes of excavated sand from the site were donated to two separate golf clubs close to the observatory at a value of £20,000.
The contractor delivered 2,100 hours of educational value through school talks, visits, mock interviews and career fairs with local schools and colleges, and 10 work experience placements were also provided alongside six apprenticeships which totalled 30 weeks of onsite experience.
GF Tomlinson also organised mental health visits with the Lighthouse Charity and two ‘Women in Construction’ events.
Earlier this month the contractor announced the completion of the new Barwell Medical Centre.
Adrian Grocock, group managing director of GF Tomlinson, said: “The Sherwood Observatory will inspire and entertain visitors, and for many years to come they will enjoy the learnings that come with understanding the wonder and science of space.”
Dr Steve Wallace, chairman of Sherwood Observatory, said: “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.”
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