Earth Centre, Doncaster

The Earth Centre, Doncaster was intended to "establish a world centre for sustainable development promoting the best environmental and sustainable practice"[1] and opened in 1999 with funding from the Millennium Commission in Conisbrough, Metropolitan borough of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, England. It has since closed its doors after going bankrupt in 2004.[2]

Background

Access to the site (2006)

In 1990 Jonathan Smales decided that a derelict ecologically reclaimed 400-acre (1.6 km2) colliery site close to Conisbrough was ideal for an 'Earth Centre'.

Jonathan was working on an idea for a museum for the millennium conceived by John Letts, Life President of the Museum of the Year Award. A suitable site had not been found elsewhere in the country, and so South Yorkshire was chosen.

"Following Earth Centre progress was a roller coaster ride of false starts, wild hopes and dashed plans." The Guardian

Initial plans were for a gradual development of the site, incorporating community-led projects and with much construction work being undertaken by Mowlem, who used the site to train apprentices. The first stage of that project opened in 1994, including a sustainable aquaculture centre and a community farm.

In 1995 the Millennium Commission awarded £41.6 million to Earth Centre,[1] which became one of its Landmark Millennium projects. From 1996 work progressed on the remediation of the remaining land and the design and construction of the many buildings and exhibitions. Phase 1 was only just completed in time for the gala opening, after several changes of layout, design details and delays. The site is accessed by crossing the River Don on the new Kilners Bridge, an important local link to the former glassworks.

Construction

Phase 2

The site in 2008

Earth Centre re-opened in May 2001. More attractions were built as money from grants and other sources became available. A pirate ship was built, a crazy golf course and an indoor 'Amazon Adventure' play area.

Education visits continued and an increasing number of customers were initially attracted to the facilities. However, by 2003 it was obvious that the target visitor numbers were not being met, and by 2004, as increasing numbers of staff were leaving, it was evident that the centre was unviable.

In September 2004 the attraction closed to the public, and only pre-booked school parties were allowed. By the end of October, the Earth Centre was put in the hands of administrators.

Subsequent use

Abandoned buildings (2010)

The site was featured as an important location in the remade version of the BBC television series Survivors, aired in December 2008.[3] The site was also used again in 2009 for the second series of Survivors.[4]

Sold

In February 2010, it was revealed that Doncaster Council was spending £200,000 a year to maintain the site. The centre was put up for sale in October 2010 and, on 23 March 2011, was sold for an undisclosed sum to an educational firm called Kingswood. This firm planned to develop an activity centre for school children and hoped to create 200 jobs.[5] The activity centre opened in 2012.[6] [7]

The car park area south of the River Don has subsequently been sold to a housing developer for the construction of 177 houses.[8]

References

  1. 1 2 "Earth Centre phase one open to the public". Millennium Commission. 1 April 1999. Archived from the original on 16 June 2011. Retrieved 26 November 2009.
  2. ↑ "Earth Centre loses last lifeline". BBC News. 12 November 2004. Retrieved 26 November 2009.
  3. ↑ Ian Wylie, Survivors: Nikki Amuka-Bird Archived 22 January 2009 at the Wayback Machine., 3 December 2008
  4. ↑ Second TV spot for Earth Centre site?, , 10 February 2009
  5. ↑ "Doncaster's failed Earth Centre site is sold off". BBC News. 23 March 2011. Retrieved 23 March 2011.
  6. ↑ "Flagship Educational Activity Centre to Open in South Yorkshire". Radiolynxcontent. 23 March 2011. Retrieved 28 March 2011.
  7. ↑ "Dearne Valley - Kingswood". www.kingswood.co.uk. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
  8. ↑ "Major new housing scheme at Denaby". South Yorkshire Times. 22 January 2015. Retrieved 15 December 2016.
  • Town Field Primary School, Doncaster's page about the Centre with photos
  • Pictures of the skirmish site
  • Glancey, Jonathan (17 May 1995). "Earth centre awakens revival". The Independent. Retrieved 26 November 2009.

Coordinates: 53°29′30″N 1°14′09″W / 53.49156°N 1.23580°W / 53.49156; -1.23580

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