Earth Centre future in doubt

The future of the Earth Centre, which features a highly-acclaimed timber building, has been thrown into doubt after it closed its doors to the public due to poor visitor numbers.

Doncaster Council is negotiating with the Earth Centre Trust with a view to saving the site, which received £37m funding from the Millennium Commission.

The centre features the solar canopy building, made from sustainably-grown European larch, which was shortlisted in the 2003 Wood Awards. A number of other buildings on site feature timber, including a glulam structure and oak domes.

Doors were closed to the public during September and a number of staff were made redundant. Parties already booked to visit will be able to see the attraction until the end of October.

A spokesperson for the Millennium Commission said: "The reason for closing was poor visitor figures; it was unable to sustain itself. It is really disappointing."

The council and trust are discussing a package of proposals aimed at ensuring the centre continues to demonstrate its original objectives of environmental education and resource sustainability. Proposals would see the council take over management and ownership of the centre.