A new planetarium and educational centre at Sherwood Observatory, Sutton, have moved a step closer.

Mansfield and Sutton Astrological Society’s vision to turn a disused underground Victorian reservoir into a state-of-the-art tourist attraction received £3.1m funding from the government’s Levelling Up Fund.

The project, one of Ashfield’s Towns Fund projects aims to create a unique experience that will draw visitors from across the East Midlands and beyond.

News of the funding follows a planning application submitted by the society to Ashfield District Council in November. Subject to securing match funding and planning permission, the project will soon be under way.

It will repurpose the disused underground Victorian reservoir into a multi-functional exhibition area, while preserving the existing architectural heritage features.

A 10m diameter planetarium, accommodating approximately 60 people per show, will sit on the reservoir’s roof. It is set to become one of just a few UK destinations to combine a planetarium with an observatory.

The new centre would be part of a ‘golden thread’ of projects supported through the Towns Fund Programme and Levelling Up Round 2 programme, aimed at inspiring the next generation of STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) talent.

More support is needed to turn this exciting vision into reality and the project team will now be seeking to leverage further sponsorship from businesses and private sector grant funding bodies.

Coun Matthew Relf, executive lead member for Regeneration and Corporate Transformation, said “The observatory is one of Ashfield’s greatest assets and Mansfield and Sutton Astronomical Society has developed a great plan to turn it into a fantastic visitor and educational centre.

“Funding had already been secured for the project through our £62.6m 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.”

Planetarium project manager Steve Wallace, pictured with council leader Jason Zadrozny, added: “Securing the Levelling Up Round 2 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.”

Local business leader, chair of the project board, and chairman of the Discover Ashfield Board, Martin Rigley, said: “The jobs and prosperity of our area will be increasingly dependent on having a STEM-educated workforce.

“The new planetarium and visitor centre will play a key role in presenting these subjects in an exciting and hands-on way to raise awareness of the opportunities a STEM career can unlock.”