First look at plans for Sherwood Forest visitor centre

The plans for the centre at Forest Corner, Edwinstowe, have been released by the RSPB-led consortium chosen to design, build and operate the new centre and to manage Sherwood Forest Country Park.

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.”

The newly unveiled plans are on show at two public drop-in sessions at Forest Corner.

The first took place on Saturday, with the second at Edwinstowe youth hostel on Tuesday, March 22, from 11am to 4pm, offering people the chance to meet the consortium, its architects and Nottinghamshire County Council, see the designs and offer their views.

Mr Frazer said: “My team is looking forward to sharing our early draft concepts and having positive discussions about the future style of the visitor centre.”

The consortium, which also features the Sherwood Forest Trust, Continuum Attractions and Thoresby Estate as part of a £5.3 million investment programme, aims to start work on the building and surrounding areas by the end of 2016 and open the visitor centre during winter 2017.

Councillor John Knight, county council culture committee chairman, 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.”