Four years after the first sketch was done, Matt and Rebecca from Western Design Architects were delighted to attend the opening of the new Welcome Centre at Upton Country Park. The Mayor of Poole, Councillor Tony Trent, officially opened the building with a ribbon cutting ceremony and it has been praised for its use of local materials and sustainability measures, including a green biodiverse roof and three insect hotels. The building has also achieved a BREEAM rating of Very Good, an internationally recognised accreditation sustainability framework.
This iconic centre is built with local Purbeck stone walling with laser cut wording on dressed stone signage with contrasting sweet chestnut wall cladding. Internally, the centre provides a welcoming exhibition space with interactive and immersive displays, staff area with gift displays, unisex toilets, baby area and accessible WC. Pet owners will be pleased with the incorporation of a dog wash facility, so no more muddy dogs in cars.
Councillor Mark Anderson, portfolio holder for environment and place at BCP Council, said: “The Discovery Project continues to deliver significant improvements across the Park, benefiting our visitors, volunteers, and local schools.
Working alongside Greendale Construction Ltd, this project was made possible with support from Parks for People funders the National Lottery Heritage Fund and National Lottery Community Fund.