Floating welcome to new nature reserve

4:07pm Wednesday 27th February 2008

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A FLOATING visitor centre is set to be the star attraction of a multi-million pound revamp of wetland outside near Samlesbury.

Brockholes Wetland and Woodland Nature Reserve, a former gravel extraction site just off junction 31 of the M6, will be transformed into a haven for wildlife.

London-based Adam Khan Architects won a design competition to work on the scheme with Lancashire Wildlife Trust, North West Regional Development Agency and the Forestry Commission.

Their concept and design called A Floating World' is based on a cluster of buildings constructed largely of wood and other sustainable materials which resembles an ancient marshland village.

It has been designed as part of wider plans to regenerate the site into a visitor attraction of national and international significance.

Ian Selby, Brockholes Project Manager, said: "The judges were impressed by Adam Khan's engaging manner and enthusiastic presentation.

"He has designed a stylish and functional range of buildings. We look forward to working with him and his company as we strive towards bringing his concept to life."

Peter White, of the North West Regional Development Agency, said: "This site has the potential to become an important visitor attraction for the region, building on its rich natural assets and impressive biodiversity."

Keith Jones, regional direc-tor of the forestry comm-ission said: "The Newlands partnership strives to combine quality site design with cutting edge brownfield remediation."

The entire Brockholes project is set to cost between £5million and £9million and is due to open within four years.