Hillfort to get new visitor centre
ANEW visitor centre and cafe will be built at a major Somerset tourist attraction following unanimous approval by district councillors.
South Somerset District Council manages Ham Hill Country Park in Stoke-sub-Hamdon, near Yeovil, which forms part of the largest Iron Age hillfort in the UK.
The council unveiled plans in September to build a new visitor centre at the Lime Kiln car park within the site, as part of a £2m improvement programme supported by the National Lottery.
The council’s area north committee has now approved the plans, meaning construction work could begin early in the new year.
The new visitor centre will include a cafe, permanent and temporary exhibition spaces, education facilities and space for informal play.
The existing car park will also be improved, with electric vehicle charging points being installed.
Martin Cook, who suffers from muscular dystrophy, told the committee on Tuesday that the visitors’ centre would enable more disabled people to access and enjoy the full benefits of the countryside.
He said: “Despite my physical challenges, it is still possible for me to access the countryside with the right equipment and support.
“Tramper off-road mobility scooters can travel over stone, mud and grass. Through Countryside Mobility, a Devon charity, there’s the opportunity to actually have a tramper at Ham Hill available for people with disabilities to use.
“With the visitors’ centre, we’d then be able to have the volunteer and staff support to enable the training and support for visitors like myself to turn up and explore the countryside.”
Steve Pullman, who lives in Stokesub-Hamdon and regularly volunteers at the country park, said: “There’s quite a lack of knowledge in the area regarding the background to the park and the history. It’s going to be much better for all concerned if we can produce a centre that will enhance that.”
Cllr Mike Hewitson, whose Hamdon ward includes the site, said the centre would both aid with conservation efforts and make it easier for residents and visitors to understand the history surrounding it.
He said: “From my point of view, I think the opportunity here is enormous and I fully support what we’re trying to deliver. The opportunities in conservation and heritage, in terms of helping people to interpret the site, are enormous.
“If you go to The Newt and their brand new Roman villa, many of the archaeological exhibits which they display there actually came from Ham Hill – and it would be lovely to put some of those things back in the place where they were found.
“This could become a major stopoff point on the journey from London to the South West. I fully commend this – this is about securing the future of the site.”
Cllr Crispin Raikes, who represents the South Petherton ward, added: “I think anything that can educate those people who do use it – and I’m sure more people will use it – has got to be a total asset.”