Huge beach named ‘best in England’ by Sun readers to get new £2.6m tourist centre in time for summer
A POPULAR beach named the “best in England” by Sun readers is set to get a brand new £2.6m tourist centre in time for summer.
Contractors have been on site at Camber Sands beach in East Sussex since last year to ensure the new welcome centre is ready for the thousands of visitors expected to arrive in the next few months.
Camber Sands, near Rye, has often been described as one of the best beaches in England by visitors.
The English beach is known for long ridges of dunes leading down to miles of soft golden sands
As summer edges closer the extension and roof of the new centre are now expected to be complete by the end of next month, with workers busy putting the finishing touches to the centre.
The aim is to ensure the new visitor attraction is watertight in the run up to the grand opening in July.
Rother District Council said contractors from Baxall Construction started work on the project last August, with the centre to include more refurbished toilets.
Sun reader Nora Hinds, 69, from Hounslow, has taken multiple £9.50 Holidays in Sussex over the years, most recently staying at Parkdean Resorts Camber Sands in East Sussex.
She said: “To me, the beach at Camber Sands is the best in England. It has nice sand and wonderful dunes.
“When the kids were little they used to slide up and down the dunes, or we’d go for little rambles in the dunes.”
Parents can also rest easy knowing there are good facilities and lifeguards in the summer months.
Nora added: “It’s not too busy, as it doesn’t have amusement arcades that tend to attract crowds.”
There will also better first aid facilities at the new centre, a welfare facility and a kiosk for information as well as a takeaway food and drink service.
A council spokesman added: “A new kiosk will offer opportunities to provide visitors with useful information, including nearby amenities and places of interest and details of local wildlife encouraging a better understanding of the unique sand dune environment,
“The intention is to also provide a small, healthy, and environmentally sustainable take-away food and drink offer, utilising local suppliers.
“Out of season, it is anticipated the kiosk can be made available for hire for community use, schools and by local residents, dependant on the provider.”
There will also be a community space opening event in the new centre after the summer season.
This is expected to take place in September.
The council said the proposed building has “come out of a long process of understanding what doesn’t work and what is needed for the future operation at Camber Sands”.
The core project themes are:
- Maximise capacity: improvements to layouts that maximise the capacity and efficiency of all WCs.
- Condition & sustainability: targeted sustainability investment and rectify known building condition issues.
- Expand and enrich: new construction to extend and provide space for enhanced activities including commercial space.
Councillor Hazel Timpe, lead member for neighbourhood services and tourism at Rother District Council, said: “This new facility will enable coastal operations to thrive and support visitors’ safety and enjoyment on the beautiful beach at Camber.
“An environmentally and economically sustainable building will help the council continue to support the local community in Camber.”
Lorna Ford, chief executive at Rother District Council, said: “We are excited to have started on site.
“Totally funded by grants including £1.7 million from central government, this project is a fabulous investment in new facilities for local people and businesses – and for visitors to this wonderful area.”
Why Camber Sands is one of the UK's best beaches
By Caroline McGuire - Head of Travel, Digital
Camber Sands is hardly a little-known beach, as the stretch of sand on the South East coast has long been popular with both locals and Londoners on hot summer’s days.
However, its considerable size – three miles in total – means that even on the hottest of afternoons, you can still find a relatively uncrowded spot if you are prepared to walk (whether you’ll get a parking spot is another matter).
The huge sand dunes that run its length mean you can also find a completely private spot to relax away from other beachgoers.
Their majestic presence has helped the area to maintain its relatively unspoilt character too, as there has been nowhere to build a promenade with the usual arcades and cafes.
In the last 20 years, the village of Camber has seen waves of regeneration, with the arrival of the fancy Gallivant Hotel and a number of luxury holiday homes built along the beachfront.
But despite the closure of the Pontins holiday park, there are plenty of affordable places for families to stay too, including the Parkdean Resorts Camber Holiday Park.