By Jamie Waller, Local Democracy Reporter
Businesses are “chomping at the bit” to get involved with the upcoming Kings Mill Leisure Development, the council has said.
Work is progressing on the water sports centre and restaurant project at King’s Mill Reservoir in Sutton-in-Ashfield.
Contracts have been signed for the demolition of the former sailing clubhouse after approval was granted in February.
The council-run project includes a new 80-seat restaurant and meeting space overlooking the reservoir, with a range of outdoor activities on offer.
Ashfield District Council’s cabinet has been told that the new development is now taking shape.
“It’s brilliant to see and get a sense what that will be like,” Councillor Matt Relf (Ash Ind), the Executive Member for Growth, Regeneration and Local Planning, told a Cabinet meeting on Monday (November 6).
“I’m aware various businesses groups are chomping at the bit to held their events there when it’s open.
“The car park next to it will be opening soon, and already looks fantastic.”
A council report says Nottinghamshire County Council’s Mill Base high ropes adventure system is completed, and is in the testing stage.
“I can’t wait to be up there on the high ropes – and I hope to see my fellow cabinet members up there too,” Cllr Relf joked.
The site was previously used by the Sutton-in-Ashfield Sailing Club, which shut last September after 63 years.
Visitors at the new centre will be able to try their hand at sailing, paddle boarding, kayaking and even open water swimming.
The water sports centre will have space for 55 small boats and 12 larger boats.
In other project updates Cllr Relf provided to the committee, work has commenced on the £5.25m Science Discovery Centre and Planetarium, with a planned finish of late 2024.
Plans continue to be drawn up for the West Kirkby Gateway and public transport hub.
However, the estimated completion date for the Cornerstone Theatre in Sutton has slipped, with Cllr Relf remarking: “It’s challenging with so many groups involved, but I hope it’s not too long before construction begins.”
