ISG Flying High With RSPB Minsmere Visitor Centre Scheme
ISG has commenced a £1.1 million new build and refurbishment project at the RSPB’s flagship nature reserve, Minsmere in Suffolk, undertaking a carefully phased project that will set a benchmark for the management of environmentally sensitive sites.
Set in a remote, rural location and home to a host of rare bird species, endangered flora and fauna and a herd of red deer, RSPB Minsmere reserve is a site of outstanding beauty with a finely balanced eco-system and rich natural habitat. The reserve has an existing visitor centre and ISG is working to transform the facilities with the installation of a new reception area and extension, upgrading welfare facilities, construction of a new learning resource and alternations to the existing workshop and back of house areas.
The project is taking place during the autumn red deer rutting season, when the reserve will see a peak in visitor numbers to witness the spectacle. ISG will erect specialist fencing that will be clearly visible to the deer population to protect the animals from straying onto the main construction site.
The initial phases of the scheme concentrate on the visitor centre upgrades, whilst phase three focuses on the construction of the learning facilities, comprising two new classrooms and a host of interactive exhibits, including a sand martin tunnel experience, a ‘build a den’ activity area, a watching station, a maze-based migratory game and a spotter station. The final phase sees ISG carry out alterations to the existing offices and workshop space.
The project incorporates a raft of environmental features, including the installation of roof-mounted photo voltaic panels on the learning centre, solar-thermal heating for the reception area and a rainwater harvesting system will provide water to flush the centre’s toilets. A further consideration for ISG during the project is the protection of a colony of ant lions, rare larvae that prey on ants. Working closely with the RSPB’s reserve experts, ISG will install a raised walkway to protect this rare species during the programme of works.
ISG’s Bernard Clarke, managing director - South East, commented: “The challenges involved in our latest project are numerous and include the general remoteness and unique biodiversity of the site, as well as ensuring the continuity of services to visitors throughout the development. Planning such a complex and varied programme on an environmentally sensitive site requires genuine expertise and thorough attention to detail and it represents an excellent opportunity for the business to demonstrate its capabilities delivering such a challenging brief.”
Adam Rowlands, RSPB Minsmere Senior Sites Manager said: “We are delighted that ISG will be starting work at Minsmere on the Discover Nature Project. We are confident that their experience stands them in good stead for this project, helping us to make Minsmere an improved haven for people as well as wildlife. The team at ISG know Suffolk well and they understand what a special place it is. We are incredibly excited about the start of the work here.”
Nick Hann; Tel: 07970 275251; Email: nick.hann@isgplc.com
ISG Plc is an international construction services company delivering fit out, construction and a range of specialist services, with 31 offices worldwide. The company works with owners, developers and occupiers in the public and private sector for an extensive range of industries. ISG Plc was established in 1989 and has been quoted on AIM since 1998. Today the company has a turnover of around £1.2 billion.
For further information about ISG please visit our website www.isgplc.com
