Wetlands visitor attraction gets go-ahead

Planning permission has been granted for a new visitor attraction to be built on Lancashire Wildlife Trust's 260-acre Brockholes Wetland and Woodland Reserve near Preston in Lancashire.

Building work is expected to start in October on the floating visitors' centre, designed by Adam Khan Architects.

The intention is that the centre will become a self-financing regional environmental showcase, with a café, shop, gallery, education facilities and meeting rooms.

Brockholes will have a wealth of habitats including lakes, reed beds, flower-rich grassland and a connection to adjacent semi-natural ancient woodland.

The project is being developed as part of the North West Development Agency and Forestry Commission's £59m Newlands land regeneration programme, in partnership with Lancashire Wildlife Trust.

Richard Tracey, head of environmental quality at the North West Development Agency, said: "With an increase in visitor and tourism facilities on site and the provision of well managed green space for local people it will enhance the positive perception of England's Northwest as a whole."