Chartered Builders, Greendale Construction Limited has completed the iconic new Upton Country Park Welcome Centre. Located in the main carpark, the stunning superstructure has been built using local Purbeck stone walling with laser cut wording on dressed stone signage, with contrasting sweet chestnut cladding on the walls and overhanging soffits.
The Welcome Centre boasts a bio-diverse living meadow roof, planted up with 34 species of wildflowers. A powder-coated, aluminium metal cladding fascia compliments the main atrium area, with the building benefitting from non-slip porcelain tiles and underfloor heating, partly fuelled by an air source heat pump. Low energy LED lighting has been installed throughout the building.
Three bug hotels have been created and framed in dressed stone, located in the Purbeck walling, with a number of swallow nest cups and bat boxes installed to encourage even more nature into the park and around the building. The Welcome Centre has new unisex toilet facilities, a baby area and accessible WC. Pet owners will be glad to see the dog wash has been re-instated, so no more muddy paws in the car after your walk.
A secure staff area and gift / display area has been formed which can be closed off by automatic roller security shutters. The doors into the Welcome Centre are on automatic movement sensors. Externally, the new perimeter courtyard has coloured Tarmac, with bollards made with oak from the estate. A Purbeck stone slab area of 5m x 2m has been laid for future interpretation.
The Welcome Centre has been given a BREEAM rating of very good. The sustainability framework is underpinned by credible science, allowing the assessment process to identify valuable insights on the asset’s performance. The internationally recognised and third-party certification, BREEAM, provides assurance and validation of the data collated throughout the assessment.
Rob Hooker, Director, Greendale Construction, commented: “We were delighted to be awarded this project as main contractors, and are equally delighted and proud to have delivered this iconic Welcome Centre for BCP Council and Upton Country Park. We enjoyed working with Western Design Architects and BCP Council. The new Welcome Centre creates a real wow factor for visitors, and provides brilliant information and facilities for the users of the park. We wish Roger and his team every success with the new building and can’t wait to see the wildflower meadow on the roof in full bloom this coming spring!”
Councillor Mark Anderson, Portfolio Holder for Environment & Place at BCP Council, said: “The Discovery Project continues to deliver significant improvements across the Park, benefiting our visitors, volunteers, and local schools. The opening of the Upton Country Park Welcome Centre is a significant milestone for the Project that has been made possible by funding from the The National Lottery Heritage Fund and The National Lottery Community Fund, BCP Council and the Friends of Upton Country Park. Construction of the centre was delivered by Greendale Construction Ltd, and contents overseen by Imagemakers. Visitors will now be able to learn more about the history of the estate, alongside the wonderful range of events, activities and wildlife that the park continues to supports today.”