STARGAZERS from around the globe could descend on Teesdale if plans for a network of observatories to take advantage of the area’s dark skies are given the go ahead.
Northumbrian Water has submitted plans to construct observatories on the shores of Grassholme Reservoir, near Mickleton, which they say could increase visitors during winter. Although Grassholme is designated as a dark sky location and has been identified as a significant site for astronomers, there are no facilities to attract them.
The plans, submitted to Durham County Council last week, have been created in collaboration with astronomer and founder of the successful Kielder Observatory Gary Fildes.
The proposals aim to install three observatories in and adjacent to the existing visitor centre at Grassholme in two phases. Phase one of the scheme plans to convert the visitor centre into a learning hub with seating for about 20 visitors and install the first observatory in a single storey building behind it. The observatory will be constructed largely off-site and will provide space for astronomers with a sliding roof to maximise view of the sky.
Phase two will see the construction of two further observatories on a timber deck projecting over the hillside towards the reservoir.
In a design statement, Mr Fildes outlined the success of the Kielder Observatory and said: “I want to do the same in Teesdale with the Grassholme Observatory – to create a legacy in the region for education.
“With the help and support from Northumbrian Water and the wider partners in the area we hope to utilise the incredible dark skies of Grassholme and create a world class visitor centre in County Durham. The dark skies over Grassholme are as dark as anywhere and equally as full of stars.”
The plans have been welcomed by county council tourism bosses.
Craig Wilson, destination projects manager for Visit County Durham, said: “We believe this will be an exciting addition to Durham’s visitor economy offer. We have invested a lot of time and effort in supporting the development of dark skies tourism theme in partnership with the North Pennines AONB.”
Cllr Richard Bell said: “It looks very exciting. The planners are going to have an observatory and visitors can look at our dark skies.
“Tourism has been shown to be very strong for the next nearest one at Kielder and this will be good for Teesdale bed and breakfasts and very positive news in general. I would have difficulty to find a downside to this and it is great for the wider area.”
Cllr Ted Henderson added: “In think it is the finest thing that has occurred for Teesdale for a long time. It will attract a lot of visitors and we have the dark skies. We are only a few hours from Manchester, the Lake District and several other large cities and it will be the nearest observatory so it can only be a good thing for tourism.
“It is the same people who running the Kielder observatory and that is solidly booked for the next nine or ten months and that is what they wanted to see from this one.”
Town councillor Sandra Moorhouse, who is spearheading the volunteer group Making Barney Brighter Together to encourage more visitors to Teesdale, said: “We welcome the opportunity to show off our lovely dark skies and hope this raises awareness of what a beautiful area we have.”
