Works have now commenced on the refurbishment of the education centre at Rushcliffe Country Park. This will include a new café, upgraded visitors’ centre, bookable conference room, improved landscaping and toilet facilities.
In line with Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Carbon Clever programme, it will also be the first phase of a series of sustainable developments at the park that will deliver the new facilities in line with key themes identified in last year’s park users’ survey.
The installation of solar panels and an air source heat pump will supply sustainable energy to the visitors’ centre and follows decommissioning of the park’s less effective wind turbines last year.
Rushcliffe Borough Councill’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Communities and Climate Change, Cllr Abby Brennan, met Friends of Rushcliffe Country Park chairperson, Ann Towel, and Park Manager, Alastair Glenn, to view the start of the works.
Cllr Brennan said: “It’s set to be an exciting 2022 for the park with these greener new facilities in place in the coming months and will mean even more people can enjoy its features and surroundings.
“The environment is a key priority for us and it’s only right one of our flagship parks leads by example with ever more sustainable changes that will benefit all.
“We know how many local people and visitors from further afield love this park and we’re delighted to be making these changes in conjunction with the Friends of Rushcliffe Country Park.”
Ann added: “It’s wonderful the park’s focus continues to be ever greener and our volunteers are supportive of the changes with the visitor centre and public toilets.
“I am sure the new facilities will be welcomed by thousands of visitors from near and far.”
Park users are asked to follow all local signage whilst works take place, including the volunteer car park now being unavailable, with a new facility set to be in place in due course.