insideKENT Magazine Issue 80 - November 2018 | Page 191

NEWS
COUNTDOWN BEGINS TO BETTESHANGER’S BIG REVEAL
With just months to go until Betteshanger
Sustainable Parks opens a new state-of-the-
art visitor centre, including the Kent Mining
Museum, an open day is being held to give
local people an update on progress at the 121-
hectare former colliery site near Deal.
Taking place on Saturday 3rd November, the
event will mark five months until the grand
opening party on Saturday, 30th March 2019.
Phase I of the Sustainable Parks development
will include a new visitor centre encompassing
the Kent Mining Museum, mining-themed
outdoor play equipment, walking trails and
improved activity facilities.
Richard Morsley, director of Betteshanger
Sustainable Parks, said: “We have been on a
long journey to provide much-improved
facilities for the local community. The end is
in sight and the team is excited about what
lies ahead. We are using the quieter winter
period to prepare for the opening and to
ensure the site will be looking its best
come March. Landscaping is an important
part of the design so we need to give it time
to bed in.”
Demolition of the old café and visitor centre,
cycle hire and park office will begin week
commencing Monday 5th November.
However, at the same time a temporary space
in the car park will open providing a small
café, toilets and cycle hire so visitors will still
be able to enjoy the park. During the works,
some of the mountain bike trails will be re-
routed, with the trails starting and finishing
on ‘The Green’.
Richard Morsley continued: “As always, the
safety of our visitors remains a priority.
Throughout the winter, we will maintain
access to as much as the park as possible,
keeping in mind the long-term goal of bigger,
better facilities for everyone to enjoy.”
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