Plans lodged for coastal conservation centre
The structure was decommissioned in 1988, served as a radio navigation beacon up until 1999 and has since become a popular tourist attraction.
New plans, by South Tyneside Council include a purpose-built conservation hub in the Whitburn Coastal Park, near the existing lighthouse car park.
The centre would be owned and managed by the National Trust – in partnership with the Seascapes Partnership – with a focus on marine conservation and community engagement.
If approved, it would house an interactive-activity zone, bird observation area, multi-use learning space and accessible public toilets.
The building itself, designed by Newcastlebased MawsonKerr Architects, would boast eco-friendly features from thermally-efficient glazing to tiles created from 80% recycled plastics.
Project bosses hope to use the building’s cladding as a learning resource to explore issues around ocean pollution and single-use plastics.
Bird ringing, a scientific method of gathering data on bird populations, will also be a key activity at the site.
A design and access statement from the applicant states the plans would improve access for school groups while having a minimum impact on the “openness of the landscape”.
It reads: “The new building would allow inclusive learning opportunities with level access and WC facilities at ground level.” The conservation centre proposals are under council consultation. Subject to approval, the National Trust hopes to finish building works by 2021.
Public comments are open until Friday, January 17 and can be made by writing to the council.
Visit www.southtyneside. gov.uk/article/35961/Searchplanning-applications and search planning ref: ST/0856/19/FUL