The Rye Harbour Discovery Centre in Rye, East Sussex has been shortlisted for the 2026 South East RIBA Awards, recognising design excellence in one of the region’s most significant architectural projects.

Located within the 465-hectare Rye Harbour Nature Reserve, one of the most important conservation sites on the south coast, the Discovery Centre sits within a landscape designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest, a European Special Protection Area and a proposed Ramsar site. The reserve contains a rich mosaic of habitats including intertidal areas, saltmarsh, shingle ridges, marshland and woodland.

Designed by Simpsons & Brown, the purpose-built visitor centre replaced a former building that was in very poor condition. The new centre was carefully conceived to respond sensitively to its environmentally and historically significant setting while delivering a modern, sustainable and welcoming facility.

The centre provides a reception area, education and interpretation spaces, a wildlife viewing area, café and retail space, catering facilities, staff and volunteer accommodation, and essential operational storage. It has become a focal point for visitors, supporting wildlife interpretation, education and community engagement while enhancing the long-term sustainability of the reserve.

Project management services were provided throughout the redevelopment, overseeing consultant coordination, programme management, risk management and stakeholder engagement to guide the scheme from concept to completion.

The RIBA shortlist recognition highlights the success of the collaborative approach taken to balance environmental sensitivity with architectural quality, delivering a building that supports conservation, learning and public enjoyment for years to come.