New activity centre in Purbeck, Dorset
Buddens Activity Centre in Purbeck, Dorset, is undergoing a three-phase development, which includes new shower and toilet blocks alongside improvements to the facilities and dining spaces. Dorset-based activity provider Rockley Watersports announced this week that Rockley and Dorset County Scouts have been granted planning permission for the series of improvements to its site.
Rockley MD Pip Woods says: “We are committed to using local, sustainable materials which will complement and enhance nature rather than obstruct it, ensuring that we preserve the sense of open green space that makes this 96-acre centre so special.
“While we are looking forward to growing as a company, we are hugely committed to pursuing a journey towards improvement which balances personal growth, sustainable growth and our desire to offer an exceptional customer experience for the young people who come on a school or group activity trip with us.”
The masterplan, developed in collaboration with DMW Architects, introduces a number of new facilities to the activity centre in Purbeck and has seen phase one – an extension of the existing WC and shower block, already complete. Containing eight self-contained showers (including toilet and changing space) for use by teachers and group leaders, the extension also offers additional outside washing facilities. Constructed from lightweight, sustainable materials, the area has also been sympathetically landscaped.
Woods adds: “At an early stage, and based on initial customer feedback, we realised the need for the provision of additional washing, toilet and shower facilities throughout the site and we are glad that we have been able to address this issue.”
Phase two of the Buddens Activity Centre developments will see the building of a new dining and flexible space, which will act as a hub for schools and groups. The building will be located in the southern corner of the main camping field, nestled under an adjacent woodland area. The space will house ancillary kitchen and storage accommodation to serve a large open-plan dining space for the children. Views back across the fields and adjacent woodland will give the building a visual connection with the site.
Finally, phase three will see two brand new toilet and shower blocks to be situated in both eastern and western areas of the centre. The purpose of each facility is to increase the toilet and washing provision across the centre, campsites and activities alike.
Work on the three-phrase plan is set to begin in winter 2022.
