The National Park Visitor Centre at Postbridge has been nominated for a prestigious building award.
The centre was transformed following an extensive modernisation project and has now been shortlisted in leisure and tourism project of the year category at Michelmores Property Awards 2021.
Michelmores Property Awards, now in their 19th year, celebrate the best construction and real estate projects in the South West, from the most prestigious and exciting, to the innovative and daring. Winners will be announced at a ceremony on Thursday, November 4 at Sandy Park Conference Centre, Exeter.
The visitor centre benefited from a major refit which helped it to share and celebrate Dartmoor’s Bronze Age history, plus more besides. The incredible stories are told through interactive displays, exhibitions and artefacts showing how people lived on the moor thousands of years ago.
The centre sells Dartmoor Range products, maps, guides and books helping people to get the most out their visit. Displays link with the surrounding area so people can confidently explore hut circles, stone rows and cists nearby.
The design reflects the local vernacular agricultural buildings and accommodates events, activities and school visits; encouraging people to stay longer and visit local shops, cafes and pubs, supporting the local economy.
Sam Hill, Dartmoor National Park Authority’s Head of Communications and Fundraising said: ‘We’re thrilled to be nominated. The standard of competition is really high; we face stiff competition from other nominees all of which deserve recognition for their innovation too.
‘We’re so proud of our visitor centre. Following a major extension, it is now fully accessible, energy efficient and features the latest technology to bring history to life in amazing detail, giving people a unique and special experience.
‘The team worked really hard to deliver the build through the pandemic and in the face of Dartmoor’s unpredictable weather! We are keeping our fingers crossed for success and look forward to the ceremony in November.’
NPS South West project managed the scheme. CAD Architects designed the centre and Exeter-based Fifield Construction carried out the work.
Earlier this year the centre was awarded a Building Excellence Certificate of Recognition by Devon Building Control Partnership for its high standards of design and workmanship.
Dartmoor National Park Authority secured £500,000 from the Rural Development Programme for England to fund the building works, expanding on the already improved offer at Postbridge which was funded, in part, through the National Lottery Heritage Fund Landscape Partnership, Moor than meets the eye MTMTE