Mayor Claire celebrates opening of Sherwood Observatory Planetarium and Science Centre

The Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward, attended the official opening of the state-of-the-art Sherwood Observatory Planetarium and Science Centre in Nottinghamshire today (Thursday 23 January). This cutting-edge facility is a major attraction for the region and a fantastic source of science education. 

Originally opened in 1986, the Sherwood Observatory has long been dedicated to inspiring curiosity and interest in astronomy and space science. With its new planetarium and science centre, the observatory is expanding its mission to educate and engage the public in Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM). Offering immersive experiences that bring the universe to life, the observatory aims to inspire the next generation of scientists and engineers.   

Joining Mayor Claire at this historic occasion were Professor Veronica Pickering MBS HAC, His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of Nottinghamshire; Professor Chris Lintott FRAS; and Theresa Hodgkinson, Chief Executive Officer of Ashfield District Council.   

Speaking at the event, Mayor of the East Midlands, Claire Ward said:   

“I’m thrilled to celebrate the official opening of the Sherwood Observatory – a vision brought to life through collaboration and teamwork. It shows the world that local communities can deliver on international ambitions, and the connection to the ATTFE College – whose staff and students run the incredible café – is just one of the ways that it will carry on benefiting local people.”

“Visitor economy is one of my key priorities because it matters everywhere. We have tremendous potential in the East Midlands, and attractions like this showcase the unique experiences we have to offer. By drawing more visitors to our beautiful region, we’re supporting the local economy, creating a vibrant tourism sector, and providing yet another reason to visit the East Midlands.”

The event highlighted the observatory’s role as a unique asset to the region, combining education, inspiration, and tourism. 

The opening of the Sherwood Observatory aligns closely with the Visit East Midlands initiative, launched by Mayor Claire in 2024, which continues to promote the region’s tourism sector. By collaborating with local businesses and cultural institutions, the initiative aims to enhance visitor experiences while promoting sustainable and inclusive economic growth across the East Midlands.