New Grand Western Canal Visitor Centre officially opens

Four years since plans were first approved, and with a design that has challenged archaeologists and conservationists alike, Devon County Council's Grand Western Canal visitor centre has now officially opened.

The Chairman of Devon County Council, Cllr Jerry Brook was joined by local Olympic athlete, Jo Pavey, who regularly trains on the canal's towpath. 

The new visitors’ centre includes high-tech interactive touchscreen displays with information, film and photographs celebrating the canal's history and local wildlife.

Some older photographs of the canal have been donated to the centre by local people following an appeal last year.

For the first time, visitors can now explore the canal using a series of 360 degree photographs, taken at points along its length.  And with on screen controls, take in views all around, including local landmarks off the immediate tow-path.

Designed by the Council's property agents NPS South West Ltd, and built by Devon-based Skinner Construction, the visitor centre is elliptical, using natural and traditional materials including green oak cladding and terne-coated steel that will weather to look like lead; all helping the building to quickly settle into its landscape.

Below ground, the centre is built on a subterranean Grade II-listed limekiln. Considerable archaeological excavation had to go into work to first pinpoint the exact location and size of the protected limekiln, and to ensure that the visitor centre's foundations did not damage in any way the kiln beneath.

Twelve piles, driven six metres (almost 20 feet) into the ground provide foundations for the building with a sophisticated steel frame, sitting across the pile caps, that supports a substantial section of the building with a cantilever.

The building above ground is environmentally designed and insulated in ways that mean no heating or air conditioning is required and a 'green' roof provides a habitat for a range of insects, and soaks up rainfall to feed it back into the canal.

The £305,000 project has been funded by Devon County Council from proceeds of the sale of Exeter International Airport, including contributions from Tiverton Town Council and The Friends of the Grand Western Canal.

The new centre has already been well received by local residents and visitors. The Council’s Chairman, Cllr Jerry Brook, said: "I am delighted to officially open this incredible building, from which the entire length of the Grand Western Canal can be enjoyed.  It is packed full of information about the canal's local environment, while being entertaining and educational for visitors of all ages.

"Devon has a glorious heritage, and the Grand Western Canal has played, and still does play, a vital part of it. 

"With this centre we are celebrating that heritage, and as we approach the canal's 200th birthday, I am sure that people's appreciation and love for it will continue for generations to come."