Newbiggin visitor centre a step closer to reality

Posted by The Journal on Oct 29, 09 09:00 AM in News

A multi-million-pound visitor centre that will be a major part of a Northumberland town's regeneration is a step nearer reality after the final design was submitted for approval.

Designers have drawn up the final plans for the Newbiggin Maritime Centre and have put them before planning chiefs for consideration.

An artist's impression of how the Newbiggin Maritime Centre could look

An artist's impression of how the Newbiggin Maritime Centre could look

The centre is heralded as a major part of the seaside town's waterfront regeneration and will provide an important, lasting memory of its long and proud seafaring traditions.

After further consultation between many groups including architects, the design team and renewable energy experts, the final touches were put on the plan, which Northumberland County Council will decide upon in the next few weeks.

One major aspect of the plans is the designers' response to its environmental impact. Not only will the centre be built into the cliff to help it fit into its natural surroundings, but 65-70% of its energy needs will be from renewable sources.

The submitted plans include photovoltaic panels, which harness solar energy. A major benefit of these is that they do not require direct sunlight - a useful aspect given Northumberland's varied weather.

Complementing this will be either ground source or air source heating.

Chairman of the Newbiggin Heritage Partnership Richard Martin said: "It will be a major point of the project. It's important to make the most of this opportunity.

"We are getting much nearer that point where we have got everything in place. There's always that waiting to see, but we are striving ahead with the outer preparation work at the moment.

"It complements everything that has been done in the bay. It will add to the attraction but will be a permanent reminder for future generations of the seafaring traditions of the local fishing industry."

The building is designed to complement the existing improvements along the seafront, including modern sculpture Couple, the new sandy beach and the sea defences.

With commitments of £2.5 million, the money for the project has come from the Government's Sea Change programme, Wansbeck Council, Wansbeck Legi, the Sir James Knott Trust and the Heritage Lottery.

Some of this has already been spent, on things such as test drilling for the foundations and design work. The Heritage Partnership knows this will convince other funders to back the scheme if they see work going ahead, and is confident of getting the remaining estimated £600,000 needed to ensure the project is a reality.

As well as the maritime centre looking to Newbiggin's proud past, organisers have also gone out into the community to do reminisce sessions in care homes, to record people's memories of the town.

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