Thames Chase Visitor Centre

During the severe electrical storms of 6th August last year, the Thames Chase Visitor Centre was struck by lightning and was completely destroyed in the ensuing fire. Fortunately, the 19th century stables and cart shed (Ford Education Room) and 17th century Essex barn were not damaged and remain open to the public. The programme of activities for schools and youth groups is in full swing, with both the Ford Education Room and Essex barn available for hire for children’s birthday parties and other events. Please note that there are, however, no catering facilities currently on site.

At its meeting of 17th July 2008, the Thames Chase Joint Committee, which administers the Thames Chase project, considered the replacement of the Visitor Centre and resolved “that an independent consultant be engaged to investigate fully all issues and options surrounding the replacement of the Visitor Centre”.
On 29th October, the Thames Chase Joint Committee considered the following four options:

1. to re-build the Visitor Centre at Broadfields on its original footprint;
2. to re-build the Visitor Centre at Broadfields, but in a different position;
3. to re-build the Visitor Centre at another site within the Community Forest; and
4. not to re-build the Visitor Centre but to use any insurance settlement to support the project until 2030.

It was unanimously resolved “that the Joint Committee approve the re-building of the Visitor Centre at Broadfields on its original footprint”.

Laurie Wood Architects and Forest Gate Construction (the architects and builders of the original building) have since been appointed to re-build the Visitor Centre. Works started on site on 16th March, but have for a number of reasons overrun by a couple of months, so it will not now be open until the Autumn.

Although the external appearance of the building is largely unchanged, internal improvements include:

• a revised first floor layout to provide a new meeting room which can be hired by local groups and organisations

• the provision of automatic door opening and a passenger lift to assist disabled visitors

• additional storage provided in the cafe, shop and toilet areas

• an enlarged kitchen area to provide separate food preparation, dishwashing and storage areas

• a new customer services reception desk adjacent to the main entrance

• additional roof lights and enlarged patio doors / windows to improve internal lighting levels

• the provision of a lightning conductor

• an enlarged external seating area.

Funding has also been secured to improve access and external landscaping.