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 Background & Development
The idea for the Southport Eco Visitor-Centre came about when Sefton Council wanted to enhance our facilities at the Esplanade Park and Ride site. This would encourage more people to use the parking facility and reduce congestion in Southport town centre. Locally, there were a number of environmental sites including the Marshside bird reserve, protected sand dunes and the Jubilee Nature Trail. To develop an eco-friendly building would go hand-in-hand with the existing attractions.
In the development stages it was identified that our Centre could include a classroom for environmental education, an exciting information display area, a relaxing lounge for visiting coach drivers and Shopmobility, as well as safe access to the modern Park and Ride buses. During the building of the Centre, every effort was made to reduce the use of materials by using recycled products. Additionally, energy efficient and renewable technologies have been invested in – geothermal underfloor heating, solar hot water heating, rain water collection and wind power. Sefton Council were keen to develop a project that promoted good environmental stewardship. This was identified as a community need in its LA21 consultation and further requested by schools as a local resource. The Council also wished to upgrade facilities at the Esplanade Park and Ride site to build on its existing success; attracting 200,000 customers a year and reducing town centre congestion. Finally, the location made it an ideal site for an Eco Visitor-Centre due to its proximity to:
Several consultations with key stakeholders where held at various stages throughout the project shaping its final development.
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Welcome to the Southport Eco Centre / What is the Eco Centre? / Features of the Eco Centre Education at the Eco Centre / Tourism in Southport / Contact Us |