Projects to reshape reservoir will be 'turning point' for Ashfield tourism

Enhancing and connecting heritage centres across our area is at the heart of major works to rejuvenate King’s Mill Reservoir.
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Hundreds of thousands of pounds has been invested into the Sutton heritage site to “improve visitor experience”, with lottery funding supporting a number of projects taking place on the reservoir.

Ranging from improvements to the water, the creation of new habitats, a regenerated landmark and a new visitor centre, the site is on the up for 2020.

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It comes as restoration works on the King’s Mill historic viaduct come to an end, thanks to £232,000 from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Councillor Jason Zadrozny and Councillor Samantha Deakin at King's Mill Reservoir.Councillor Jason Zadrozny and Councillor Samantha Deakin at King's Mill Reservoir.
Councillor Jason Zadrozny and Councillor Samantha Deakin at King's Mill Reservoir.

Work on the viaduct, which is the oldest of its kind in England having opened in 1819, is hoped to provide better access between Mansfield and Ashfield and create a viewing platform over the Hermitage ponds.

Dredging work is also due to be completed in March. The work includes the formation of sediment breaks, which will assist in the natural formation of reed-bed islands at the main inlet – while also forming new habitats.

Improvement works at the site’s heritage centre café, dubbed the Mill Waters project, are now close to completion having started in November.

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The refurbishment of the existing café provides panoramic views across the reservoir and has created space to display a “snapshot of local heritage”.

Councillor Samantha Deakin, who represents Sutton on Ashfield District and Nottinghamshire County Councils, says the work is a “turning point” for Ashfield’s tourism.

“I’m extremely proud of the work that is being done at King’s Mill Reservoir”, she said.

“The Mill Waters project would not be possible without National Lottery players and it’s bringing a vast amount of improvements to the site all the way through to Sutton Lawn.

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“I’m sure this will be a turning point in Ashfield’s visitor economy, as well as benefiting wildlife and activity participation.”

Footpath and access improvements will commence in the spring and be completed by June. This includes the expansion of the car park to accommodate growing visitor numbers.

Later in the year new trees will be planted to further improve habitat, which will also help create a woodland trail.

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