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Thursday, December 04, 2008, 09:10
The council has approved the additional capital funding of £1.8 million needed to build the new centre.
The money will be combined with the already secured £6.7m and £2m contributed from East Midlands Development Agency (emda) which gives the full £10.5m needed to deliver the attraction.
Coun Steve Carroll, Cabinet Member for Culture and Regeneration, said: "We can now move forward with these exciting and ambitious plans which will deliver a fantastic visitor attraction whilst helping to conserve and extend the forest."
The new centre, which is planned to open in autumn 2010, hopes to attract an increase of 25% of visitors and will help businesses in the region by generating £7.5m of additional annual income and support around 310 new jobs in local trade and tourism.
The new centre which is being designed and project managed by Notts County Council will include a tourist information point, café and restaurant, retail, classrooms and space for conferences, weddings and functions.
Those behind the project say the main attraction inside the centre will be a visitor experience, which takes visitors on a journey through a series of areas which educate and entertain.
The main show is a circular 360 degree film presentation telling the history of the forest through the eyes of one of its oldest inhabitants - the Major Oak.
Coun Chris Baron, Cabinet Member for Environment and Sustainability, said: "The new centre will be one of the Country's premier attractions and will be worthy of the Robin Hood legend which is known all around the world."
Dr Bryan Jackson, Chairman of East Midlands Development Agency (emda), said: "We're delighted to invest in the Sherwood Forest Visitor Centre.
"We know that tourism in Nottinghamshire contributes over £1bn to our regional economy."
Plans are currently being developed for a public consultation before a planning application is submitted early in the New Year.
Works would then begin in autumn 2009 and be completed in autumn 2010; the current visitors centre will not close until the new centre is open and operational.
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