There are only two months remaining before a new planetarium is set to open at Sherwood Observatory.

Work is on track to be completed by the end of November, with the dome ready to be transformed into the planetarium that will transport visitors to the Sutton centre out of this world.

Work is under way on internal areas with a specialist planetarium contractor fitting it out with screens, projectors, and more.

The planetarium will feature 59 seats as well as disabled access, with a 10-metre diameter screen that will go inside the dome, showing tours of the solar system and beyond.

Coun Matthew Relf, executive lead for Regeneration, Growth and Local Planning at Ashfield District Council, said: “It is wonderful to see construction of the new Planetarium and Science Discovery Centre nearing completion. It has been a monumental effort by all involved.

“It will be a fantastic place for schools and youth groups as well as individuals and families to come and see shows about space and about science.

“We know this will light the fire and passion for future scientists and engineers in the area.

“It has been a privilege to be part of the journey of seeing this move from an initial pitched idea while walking around a dark Victoria water tank, to securing the funding and now seeing the space transformed into a modern and exciting facility.”

The planetarium will be part of a Science Discovery Centre at the observatory, which sits alongside a Victorian subterranean reservoir that is to be transformed into an education and exhibition space. Original features of the reservoir, such as brick arches, will be kept.

Steve Wallace, planetarium project manager, who is pictured above (left) with Coun Relf, added: “This is going to be a cutting-edge facility.”