Draft concepts released for new Sherwood Forest visitor centre

Draft concepts of how the new Sherwood Forest visitor centre at Forest Corner at Edwinstowe could look have been released today by the RSPB-led consortium. The concepts released are early designs of how the style and layout of the new visitor centre at Forest Corner could look in 2018. These concepts complement two free public drop-in sessions at Forest Corner held on Saturday 19 March and Tuesday 22 March. The public is being invited to meet the consortium, its architects and Nottinghamshire County Council, view the designs and feedback their thoughts. This is a chance for the public to discuss the concepts with members of the RSPB-led consortium and its architects, JDDK Ltd. Although these early concepts will evolve following this phase of consultation with local people, stakeholders and local authorities, the consortium intends to progress its planning application in the summer through Newark and Sherwood District Council. The aim is to start work on the building and surrounding areas by the end of 2016 and open the visitor centre during winter 2017. Anyone with comments about the concepts should email their thoughts to eleanor.cady@rspb.org.uk – comments will be collated until Tuesday 5 April and will help refine the project. Ross Frazer, RSPB Project Manager, said: “We are focused on delivering a new visitor centre and experience that is first class and reignites pride and passion in Sherwood Forest, its heritage, wildlife and the legend of Robin Hood. “My team is looking forward to sharing our early draft concepts and having positive discussions about the future style of the visitor centre.” Councillor John Knight, Committee Chairman for Culture, at Nottinghamshire County Council said: “These sessions being organised by the RSPB and its consortium partners as they begin to develop their plans are vital to ensure local people are fully involved.”