With just months to go until Betteshanger Sustainable Parks opens a new state-of-the-art visitor centre, including the Kent Mining Museum, an open day is being held to give local people an update on progress at the 121-hectare former colliery site near Deal.
Taking place on Saturday, November 3, the event will mark five months until the grand opening party on Saturday, March 30, 2019. Phase I of the Sustainable Parks development will include a new visitor centre encompassing the Kent Mining Museum, mining-themed outdoor play equipment, walking trails and improved activity facilities.
Guests who pre-book for the open day can take part in a hard hat tour of the building site, giving them an exclusive glimpse of the facilities to come. They will also have the opportunity to speak to the team about plans for the Kent Mining Museum, which has been designed to celebrate and preserve Kent’s coal mining heritage, plus membership and volunteering opportunities.
Richard Morsley, Director of Betteshanger Sustainable Parks, said: “We have been on a long journey to provide much improved facilities for the local community. The end is in sight and the team is excited about what lies ahead. We are using the quieter winter period to prepare for the opening and to ensure the site will be looking its best come March. Landscaping is an important part of the design so we need to give it time to bed in.”
Demolition of the old café and visitor centre, cycle hire and park office will begin week commencing Monday, November 5. However, at the same time a temporary space in the car park will open providing a small café, toilets and cycle hire so visitors will still be able to enjoy the park. During the works, some of the mountain bike trails will be re-routed, with the trails starting and finishing on ‘The Green’.
Richard Morsley continued: “As always, the safety of our visitors remains a priority. Throughout the winter, we will maintain access to as much as the park as possible, keeping in mind the long-term goal of bigger, better facilities for everyone to enjoy.”
For more information on the open day, which takes place from 10am to 3pm, and to book a free hard hat tour, visit www.betteshanger-park.co.uk/events/open-day.
ENDS