Council eyes up partner to build new Sherwood visitors centre

Nottinghamshire County Council is a step closer to identifying a new partner to design, build and operate a new visitor centre at Sherwood Forest Country Park.
10-0821-9

Sherwood Forest vox pop.

Sherwood Forest visitors centre.10-0821-9

Sherwood Forest vox pop.

Sherwood Forest visitors centre.
10-0821-9 Sherwood Forest vox pop. Sherwood Forest visitors centre.

The county council launched a procurement process in October 2014 to find a new external partner to provide the most effective way ahead for the future management of Sherwood Forest, bring in significant income for the visitor economy in the county, reduce revenue costs and protect the historic forest’s natural environment.

The county council’s culture committee will discuss the outcome of procurement process at its next meeting on 21st July.

Members will be asked to approve the recommendation to award the contract to the preferred bidder in the procurement process.

Confirmation of the preferred bidder is expected to be announced in mid-August, and the council would then continue to talk to the bidder exclusively and enter into final legal contract agreements over the following weeks.

The new partner will manage the development of the new visitor centre at Sherwood Forest and be stewards of the country park. The county council has a view to the new visitor centre being open to the public in 2017.

The vision for Sherwood is in line with the county council’s Redefining Your Council strategy - ensuring we can deliver services that the people of Nottinghamshire value in a sustainable way.

Coun John Knight, committee chairman for culture at Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “The county council wants to protect, preserve and enhance the ecology and heritage of Sherwood Forest, further promote its national and international reputation and have a modern visitor offer that reflects the status of the forest and Robin Hood.

“We have been very pleased with the interest that has been generated through the procurement process with numerous organisations keen to work with the county council to achieve our vision.”