Project Overview
Description
Rye Harbour Nature Reserve is a rare coastal landscape of outstanding geological, biological, cultural and heritage value. The 465-hectare nature reserve is one of the most important nature conservation sites on the south coast and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), a European Special Protection Area (SPA) and a proposed Ramsar site. Within the nature reserve there are many habitats, including intertidal, saltmarsh, reclaimed saltmarsh, drainage ditches, shingle ridges, sand, marsh, pits, scrub and woodland. The Discovery Centre project was launched to improve visitor facilities and experience and to grow visitor numbers to the reserve.
Our role
We provided full project management services throughout the redevelopment, coordinating design development and delivery of the new visitor centre. The role included managing consultants, programme, risk and stakeholder engagement to ensure smooth progression from concept to completion. We carefully balanced the site’s sensitive environmental and heritage context with the creation of a modern, engaging and sustainable facility, delivering improved amenities and long-term operational value for visitors, staff and volunteers.
Scope and Outcomes
The previous visitor centre was in very poor condition and was demolished to make way for a new purpose-built visitor centre. The new Discovery Centre has become a focal point for visitors to interpret wildlife and to increase the desire for a wildlife-rich environment, raising awareness of the natural world, encouraging involvement and inspiring people through education, outreach and participation.
The Centre includes:
• a reception
• education, public engagement and interpretation areas
• viewing area
• café and retail space
• catering facilities
• staff and volunteer office and common room/kitchen
