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New green visitor centre at Westport Lake

11th Aug 2006

Visitors to the newly greened waterways of Stoke-on-Trent are being invited to take a glimpse into the future of an eco-designed information centre planned on the Trent & Mersey Canal.

British Waterways Wales & Border Counties and Stoke-on-Trent City Council have teamed up to build an £800,000 visitor centre at Westport Lake, the centre of 17km of newly renovated towpath now linking the city’s communities.

Now communities and visitors can view the plans on display at Westport Lake in a marquee adjacent to the car park on Tuesday 8 August between 11.00am and 4.00pm and again on Saturday 19 August and Sunday 20 August, 10.00am until 4.00pm.

And the partner organisations are asking people to bring their memories and tales of Westport Lake to share.

Senior Engineer for Wales & Border Counties Darren Green said the interpretation part of the project depended upon the participation of individuals with personal memories and history of Westport Lake.

"Nothing carries a greater impact than the testament in photographs and memories of individuals who have contributed to the development and sense of community in an area," said Mr Green.

"This dedicated weekend will give local people the opportunity to contribute towards what we want the visitor centre to be – a permanent legacy for communities and visitors to enjoy," he added.

Work on the centre is expected to start in December 2006, with the centre providing:
• Flexible area for field studies, functions, meetings & classroom;
• Ranger office;
• Café facilities;
• Store room;
• Showers and WCs;
• Facilities for clubs and businesses such as cycle or canoe hire;
• Exhibition area;
• An access point for local information;
• Visual benefits from the open aspect across the lake.

Mr Green said the visitor centre would be a hub at the heart of the £5.5m three year regeneration project.

"By greening the city’s waterways, we are creating the momentum for positive and sustainable social change. The centre will feature renewable technologies and landscaping," said Mr Green.

"The canal development has opened up a whole range of leisure opportunities for local communities and visitors alike. Increased waterway activity will create an environment for the type of waterside living that is proving so popular in other major cities," he added.

Last updated: 22/10/2008